HIDEMASA: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF FUKUROKUJU PLAYING KEMARI
By Hidemasa, signed Hidemasa 秀正
Japan, Osaka, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Published: Zacke (1989) Netsuke von Meistern, no. 57 (illustrated in color!).
A finely stained and carved ivory netsuke depicting the lucky god Fukurokuju playing kemari by heading a small ball with his amusingly large and elongated head, which truly makes him the ideal kemari player. Kemari, a popular athletic game during the Heian period (794-1185), is one of the earliest versions of football and it is a non-competitive game where the goal is to keep the ball in the air. In this netsuke Fukurokuju pulls his head back to head the ball, which is balancing on his forehead. He seems to greatly enjoy himself, and his facial features are masterfully carved, typical for Hidemasa of Osaka. One foot is raised, lending movement to the composition, and in one hand he holds his beard, straightening it. The signature HIDEMASA is found in the back just below the head, and the himotoshi are well-hidden in the god’s flowing sleeves.
HEIGHT 4.3 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, collection no. 52, acquired from Zacke in 1989, Netsuke von Meistern, no. 57.
Lot details
By Hidemasa, signed Hidemasa 秀正
Japan, Osaka, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Published: Zacke (1989) Netsuke von Meistern, no. 57 (illustrated in color!).
A finely stained and carved ivory netsuke depicting the lucky god Fukurokuju playing kemari by heading a small ball with his amusingly large and elongated head, which truly makes him the ideal kemari player. Kemari, a popular athletic game during the Heian period (794-1185), is one of the earliest versions of football and it is a non-competitive game where the goal is to keep the ball in the air. In this netsuke Fukurokuju pulls his head back to head the ball, which is balancing on his forehead. He seems to greatly enjoy himself, and his facial features are masterfully carved, typical for Hidemasa of Osaka. One foot is raised, lending movement to the composition, and in one hand he holds his beard, straightening it. The signature HIDEMASA is found in the back just below the head, and the himotoshi are well-hidden in the god’s flowing sleeves.
HEIGHT 4.3 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, collection no. 52, acquired from Zacke in 1989, Netsuke von Meistern, no. 57.
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
By Hidemasa, signed Hidemasa 秀正
Japan, Osaka, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Published: Zacke (1989) Netsuke von Meistern, no. 57 (illustrated in color!).
A finely stained and carved ivory netsuke depicting the lucky god Fukurokuju playing kemari by heading a small ball with his amusingly large and elongated head, which truly makes him the ideal kemari player. Kemari, a popular athletic game during the Heian period (794-1185), is one of the earliest versions of football and it is a non-competitive game where the goal is to keep the ball in the air. In this netsuke Fukurokuju pulls his head back to head the ball, which is balancing on his forehead. He seems to greatly enjoy himself, and his facial features are masterfully carved, typical for Hidemasa of Osaka. One foot is raised, lending movement to the composition, and in one hand he holds his beard, straightening it. The signature HIDEMASA is found in the back just below the head, and the himotoshi are well-hidden in the god’s flowing sleeves.
HEIGHT 4.3 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, collection no. 52, acquired from Zacke in 1989, Netsuke von Meistern, no. 57.
Lot details
By Hidemasa, signed Hidemasa 秀正
Japan, Osaka, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Published: Zacke (1989) Netsuke von Meistern, no. 57 (illustrated in color!).
A finely stained and carved ivory netsuke depicting the lucky god Fukurokuju playing kemari by heading a small ball with his amusingly large and elongated head, which truly makes him the ideal kemari player. Kemari, a popular athletic game during the Heian period (794-1185), is one of the earliest versions of football and it is a non-competitive game where the goal is to keep the ball in the air. In this netsuke Fukurokuju pulls his head back to head the ball, which is balancing on his forehead. He seems to greatly enjoy himself, and his facial features are masterfully carved, typical for Hidemasa of Osaka. One foot is raised, lending movement to the composition, and in one hand he holds his beard, straightening it. The signature HIDEMASA is found in the back just below the head, and the himotoshi are well-hidden in the god’s flowing sleeves.
HEIGHT 4.3 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, collection no. 52, acquired from Zacke in 1989, Netsuke von Meistern, no. 57.
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
