NETSUKE depicting an OLD MAN wearing a CHIKARAISHI Signed TAKEYUKI - Japan - Edo Period (1615 - 1868)

NETSUKE depicting an OLD MAN wearing a CHIKARAISHI

Signed TAKEYUKI

Japan, Edo period (1615 - 1868)

Wood and bone

H.: 3.4; L.: 2.8 cm

(very slight accident and small restoration to the left foot)

This monoxyl wooden netsuke is carved with an old man, presumably blind, squatting, preparing to lift a stone called chikaraishi . He is dressed in a fundoshi – the traditional men's underwear belted at the waist. Its bald head has a horn or bony ball at the back, called an inion.

His left eye is encrusted with a small ball of bone and his visible teeth are also sculpted from the same material.

On the base, a rectangular bone inlaid cartouche is signed by the artist Takeyuki.

The use of netsuke refers to a very particular use: the kimono, traditional Japanese clothing, has no closure, no button tab or belt loop. It also doesn't have a pocket. The obi, a wide ribbon of fabric closed by knotting, served as a belt and held the kimono closed. It was on the obi that the Japanese hung their inrō, a small box with compartments, which allowed the transport of everyday objects. The inrō had a cord passing under the obi. The netsuke, hooked at the end and placed above the upper edge of the belt, blocked the object. It thus played the role of cleat or counterweight.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref. : 4758