A STAG-ANTLER NETSUKE OF TENAGA WITH SEA BREAM
Stag antler sashi netsukeJapan19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Tenaga is raising his long arm triumphantly, holding a tai (sea bream) in his hand. Very often the long-legged Ashinaga and long-armed Tenaga are depicted together; they were successful fishermen on one of the southern islands. The facial features in this piece belie a sense of humor, the details are precisely carved, and the characteristic structure of the antler is skillfully incorporated in the work, giving his body, which is densely covered with the porous surface, a ghost-like appearance – producing a heavy contrast to the almost flawless material utilized for the rest of the carving.HEIGHT 11.2 CMCondition: Very good conditionProvenance: British private collection