Unsigned, style of Gyokumin (1800-1868) Japan, Asakusa, mid to late 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Depicted is a mokugyo temple bell with the handle shaped like the head of a baku with large inlaid eyes, small tusks, its tongue sticking outwards and a dominant long curling snout. Swirling flame-like curls trail down from its neck to both sides of the temple bell. The underside with the characteristic opening of the mokugyo. Natural himotoshi.
HEIGHT 5.3 cm
Condition: Generally good but used and worn condition with age cracks. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Literature comparison: For similar works by Gyokumin see Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, Sydney L. Moss, Ltd., 2016, nos. 473-478.