KOMIN: A DARK WOOD NETSUKE OF A KAPPA EMERGING FROM A CONCH

KOMIN: A DARK WOOD NETSUKE OF A KAPPA EMERGING FROM A CONCH
By Komin, signed Komin 光珉 with kakihan
Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

An incredibly fine and detailed carving from dark wood with reddish hues. A kappa is shown emerging from a large conch, its claws placed on the exterior and its gloomy eyes staring. Its expression is quite amusing, and the hairdo is somewhat unusual, almost resembling an old British court wig. The conch is smoothly polished, providing a strong contrast to the masterful ukibori used on the mythical being's unarmored body parts and the well-detailed shell. The hollow section on the kappa's head, which according to legend hold its vital fluids, is inlaid in pewter and lacquer. Good, asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside and signed KOMIN plus kakihan.

Several netsuke by Komin depicting kappa are known, however this is the only variant showing the creature emerging from a conch rather than having its foot stuck inside a hamaguri clam.

LENGTH 4.8 cm

Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Ex collection Harriet Szechenyi sold in her sale at Bonhams, 8 November 2011, London, lot 53 (sold for 4.750 GBP). Then collection Jacques H. Carré.
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