AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A SKULL BY SHOZAN
Ivory netsukeJapan, Edo/Tokyo19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An excellently crafted, anatomically quite accurate skull, a symbol of mortality. Large, staring eyes, individual teeth in the upper jaw. The large hole suggests a lethal blow to the head with a club or mace. Asahi Gyokuzan in Tokyo became very well-known for his skull netsuke. Signature SHOZAN on the underside, a carver from the Gyokuzan school. Several possibilities for himotoshi, with two small holes on the back of the skull.HEIGHT 3.7 CM, LENGTH 4.5 CMCondition: Very good conditionProvenance: Austrian private collection