Project Description
Rare Wood Okimono of the Kanshin Story by Hokkyō Shima Sessai (Mikuni, Echizen, 1820-79)
Representing the episode in which the distinguished Chinese general Kanshin is obliged to demean himself by crawling between the legs of a brigand, all admirably carved and in pristine condition
Signed
Height: 10.5cm
If one includes the famous Behrens Wrestlers, which is not really a netsuke, this is one of only 14 okimono recorded by this exceptional artist, who worked for the daimyo of Echizen, Matsudaira Shungaku. For a well researched and comprehensive account of the artist, see the article referred to in the literature, pp. 11-30. That author lists 50 netsuke and 37 other works by the artist
Provenance:
Steve Waszak collection
Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, from whom purchased by the present owner
Literature:
Steve Waszak, Sessai: Echizen Master, in the International Netsuke Society Journal, 16/4, illustrated on the cover, as well as on p. 19 with the illustration of it in the sessai unkin zufu, published in the artist’s lifetime
MR4492
