Project Description

Boxwood Netsuke of an Ama and Octopus by Kokei

Surprisingly large for a netsuke by Kokei, the swimming diver holding an awabi shell in one hand and fending off the octopus with the other, with waves splashing around them.  The water beneath is parted to provide himotoshi

Signed

Length: 4.5 cm

Provenance:

Raymond and Frances Bushell, sold in their sale at Sotheby’s London, 18th November 1999, lot 81

Purchased at the above by Barry Davies Oriental Art and resold immediately to Jacques Carré

Literature:

The Netsuke Handbook of Ueda Reikichi, p. 133, no. 123, illustrated

MR3233