Japan. Edo period. 19th c. Powerful Hakutaku sitting on a large, oval base, head bowed down open-mouthed over its impressive paws. This rare unicorn has differing features compared with the highest-ranking Kirin which is mute, has hooves not paws, and barely touches the ground to avoid hurting even the tiniest creature. The Hakutaku can speak and discern anything evil, creatures or thoughts, and pounces on them, destroying them. Which is what our Hakutaku appears to have just done, with an exclamation or comment, judging by its open mouth. A long, almost straight mane surrounds its shoulders. Its tail is composed of whirls of curls and sideward whisps of hair, finely engraved, and stained dark. Ivory. Boldly carved, engraved, with dark staining, in parts softly polished from long wear. Behrens, no. 1378, owned another such very rare Hakutaku, as did Hindson a comparable one, Cat. no. 1002. Height 5.3cm, width 5.6cm. Condition A/B. Age cracks.
Literature: -H. Joly: Legend in Japanese Art, p. 278.
Please note that objects made of ivory, rhinoceros horn and turtle shell, due to Cites regulations can only be sold within the European Community. At present the export in third countries is prohibited.