AN INTERESTING BAMBOO NETSUKE OF JO AND UBA IN A PINE TREE BY YOSHIYUKI
Bamboo netsuke.Japan19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Jo and Uba are an old couple whose spirits live in a very old pine tree in Takasago. Their names literally mean “old man” and “old woman” This netsuke shows a pine tree trunk (the pine tree being a symbol of longevity) with a cave-like opening, revealing the two. Jo is easily identified as a bearded old man. Behind the two; three more human figures can be identified, brilliantly carved in the interior. Himotoshi on the back together with the signature YOSHIYUKI saku (made this). The other characters read SHINCHU or possibly SHIN (if only one character). The province is inscribed between the himotoshi, reading ASHU, which is located on the island of Shikoku. Jo and Uba are the protagonists of the famous and popular No play Takasago, which is always performed during New Year festivities.LENGTH 6.7 CMCondition: Generally, in good condition with some minor nicks and cracks. One larger dent on the back – most likely natural.Provenance: Viennese private collection