Japan. Edo period. Mid-19th c. Ivory with finely carved, engraved, and stained details. Beautiful, golden-yellow patina. An old man who is tying up the so-called "bag of patience" (Kanninbukuro) with some effort. This represents the patience he has to muster when he is being humiliated and has to put away in an invisible bag. On the front is the sign for "Kannin" (patience). Height 3.8cm, width 3.6cm. Signed: Kokura, in curved reserve, cf. MCI p. 926, Ogura Tomoyuki. Condition A/B. Gnaw mark on the rear robe hem.
Provenance: -Karl M. Schwarz, ill. Netsuke Subjects, 1992, no. 239.
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.