A TALL EARLY EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF IKKAKU SENNIN CARRYING THE LADY OF BENARES Unsigned
Japan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18^th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A tall wood netsuke of Ikkaku Sennin carrying the lady of Benares, one hand supporting her on his back and the other holding her hand gently, symbolizing his love for her, whilst his expression somewhat foreshadows his predicament. The superb color of the wood, expressively carved garment folds and large himotoshi are all indicative of an early Edo school netsuke, likely from the circle of hands around Shugetsu/Gessen/Gessho or even Jobun.

HEIGHT 9 cm

Condition: Very good condition with one old and worn-down chip to the edge of one foot.
Provenance: Acquired at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 14 May 2015, London, lot 33 (sold for 2,125 GBP).

The subject is derived from the Noh play titled ‘Ikkaku Sennin’, written by Komparu Zembo Motoyasu (1453-1532). Ikkaku Sennin, the one-horned rishi, once slipped on a hill near Benares and in his anger captured the dragon kings and kept them from letting rain fall from the sky. He is then seduced by a beautiful lady from Benares and eventually loses all his power, thus freeing the dragon kings and ending a terrible drought.