Netsuke - Elephant ivory - Superbo e complicato - Samurai che trasporta la statua di Niō (仁王) - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)

Superb and complex natural netsuke in ivory depicting the statue of Niō (仁王) , one of the two guardians of the Buddhist temples, which is being transported by a samurai with his attendant. Excellent netsuke with generous dimensions sculpted and engraved with large perforated spaces, with a movement that connects the three figures harmoniously and with a notable level of difficulty in regards to the carving of the details, patina that highlights the contrasts and which makes the sculpture look wooden. The Niō (Japanese = Benevolent King) are a pair of protectors who usually guard the gate of Japanese Buddhist temples, one on each side of the entrance. In Japan, the gate itself is often called Niō-mon 仁王門 (literally Niō door) . Each one takes the name of a particular cosmic sound. The figure with the mouth open is called "Agyō", emittings the sound "ah", which signifies birth. 36 g Excellent condition. The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped within 1 or at most 2 business days from the day of payment. The shipping price includes delivery via UPS, TNT, DHL or SDA courier (depending on destination address) with full insurance and professional packaging. Original certificate compiled by Luca Mastromauro, an expert in Japanese art, registered with the Milan Chamber of Commerce (number: 2617) , which will be sent with the lot. Included with the item is a copy of the certificate of antiquity conforming with the international CITES regulations, issued by CESAR, a centre of Archaeometric studies with offices in London, Milan and Rome. The original is only available upon request. This item cannot be sold to buyers outside the EU.