Worn Old Wood Netsuke of Tekkai Sennin

Standing, holding his staff with both hands, looking to the left and exhaling. The surface is furiously worked all over, with a distinctive rib cage, tattered robe and a very dilapidated straw hat hanging behind. The toes of his left foot are turned up
Unsigned, circa 1750
Height: 9.3 cm

Losses include the bottom third of the cane and toes of the right foot. Old restoration to the right strand of beard

This is one of three extraordinary netsuke of Tekkai sennin, which are undoubtedly by the same hand. The first is illustrated in Earle, Netsuke, Fantasy and Reality, no. 8. It was previously with Barry Davies, and its wonderful hat of leaves can be seen in an advertisement in NKSJ, 15/2, p. 61. The second was sold at Sotheby’s London, June 9th 2004, lot 1132, illustrated in the sale report in the INSJ, 24/3, p. 14

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