A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SEATED AHODORI (ALBATROSS)
Ivory netsukeJapan1st half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)This piece stands out in particularly with its peculiar beak, the expressive execution as well as the well-rounded, ideally shaped composition. The head is round, and the eyes are large and inlaid with dark horn. Characteristic is the hooked beak, with the upper beak encompassing the lower one, which easily identifies this netsuke as an albatross, which is the largest seabird native to Japan. Both wings are retracted, the tail feathers are put together. All structures, first and foremost the plumage, are carved in a most precise and lively manner. Himotoshi between the well carved legs on the underside, forming a “U”. Almost no ahodori are recorded in netsuke art, making this fine netsuke extremely rare.LENGTH 5.1 CMCondition: Good condition, with an appealing patina. One larger age crack through the head and several smaller ones through the body.Provenance: German private collection