† A STAG ANTLER RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE OF A HO-O BIRD AND UNUSUAL MONUnsignedJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa, mid to late 19th centuryFinely carved in openwork with a central roundel enclosing a flying ho-o bird, the twisted strands of its long tail flowing in the wind, encircled by stylized petals, the reverse with a mon composed of a twisted circular design surmounted by inflorescences, centered by a single himotoshi. DIAMETER 4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and typical natural imperfections.The mon carved to the reverse of the present netsuke is highly unusual and appears to be a combination of the ‘body’ of the Maruni Musubi Karigane (wild goose crest) and the inflorescences found on the kiri mon (paulownia crest). Both the ho-o bird, which is carved to the front of this netsuke, and the paulownia (kiri) tree are imperial symbols of Japan. According to legend, the ho-o, a bird similar to the phoenix that represents the eternal rebirth of the soul, only settles on the Kiri tree. In the hope of attracting this auspicious bird that blesses people with wisdom, health and happiness, the trees are planted in courtyards and gardens.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer’s premium – only for buyers within the EU.