Project Description
Wood Netsuke of a Rakugo-ka performer, traditionally attributed to Garaku
He dances improbably balancing on a single geta, and ivory mask of a woman attached to the back of his head. His kimono is decorated with gold lacquer whorls, his obi with gold and silver kirigane, and a lacquered bokuto is thrust into his belt behind
Well carved signature Garaku. Circa 1850
Height: 6.2 cm
Despite its distinguished provenance and history, I still question whether this is by Garaku, as it seems so uncharacteristic, even though there is considerable technical skill in evidence
Provenance: Madeline R. Tollner, sold in her sale, 1954, lot 89
Elly Nordskog, Thousand Oaks CA
Exhibited: Honolulu, 4th INCS Convention, Commanding Assemblage, no. 57
Literature:
The netsuke is discussed by Raymond Bushell in the Questions & Answers of JINCS 4/3, p. 48, in which he suggests that the role being played is that of a fox wife
JINCS, 9/1 (1981), p. 41, illustrated
Lazarnick, Netsuke and Inro Artists …, p. 396, illustrated
MR3510