RYUCHIN: A FINE SQUARE RYUSA IVORY MANJU NETSUKE OF THE JUNISHI By Gyokuhosa...

RYUCHIN: A FINE SQUARE RYUSA IVORY MANJU NETSUKE OF THE JUNISHI
By Gyokuhosai Ryuchin, signed Ryuchin
Japan, Edo, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Published: Illustrated in The Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the Archives of the British Museum Part B, Frederick Meinertzhagen (edited by George Lazarnick), New York, 1986, page 662.

The twelve animals of the Zodiac (junishi) are neatly arranged and delicately carved. Each animal is imbued with individual charm, wit and character. The tiger (tora) is snarling at the dragon (tatsu) and on the other side the monkey (saru) is pulling on the horse (uma). The manju is entirely openworked, also on the sides where the snake (hebi) can be found. Signed on the horse, next to the florally rimmed himotoshi, RYUCHIN 龍珍 + kakihan.

SIZE 3 x 3 x 1.5 cm (H x L x W)

Condition: Generally, in very good condition; one old chip to one of the dragon’s whiskers (visible in the illustration in MCI, page 662).
Provenance: Collection of F. Meinertzhagen, published in MCI, then S.L. Moss Exhibition, no. 116, 15.11.1974, subsequently acquired by Vito Taverna from Eskenazi Ltd. on 22.11.1974. (Copy of the invoice is available).

Gyokuhosai Ryuchin was regarded by Meinertzhagen as one of the most brilliant netsuke carvers of his time. His designs were original and often displayed his superior use of sukashi-bori (openwork technique).

Auction comparison: Compare to a very similar ivory manju netsuke by Ryuchin sold at Van Ham, Netsuke & Japanische Kunst, 8 June 2018, Cologne, lot 1666.