A RARE AND AMUSING DARK WOOD NETSUKE OF TENGU STIRRING MISO
Wood netsukeJapan19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)This konoha-tengu with crow’s wings has an extremely long, stalk-shaped nose and is using it to stir miso paste, consisting of rice and bean mash, in a bowl between his legs. He is removing paste from his nose with a scraper and wearing a cap worn by the yamabushi, mountain ascetic hermits. The tengu are mythical forest dwellers, led by their king Sojobo and can take on a fully human form. Large himotoshi on the underside. Beautiful patina and extraordinary detail to the feathers on the wings.LENGTH 3.7 CMCondition: Excellent conditionProvenance: British private collection