Japan. Meiji period. 2nd half of the 19th c. Ivory, very finely carved and engraved with delicate colored details and beautiful, golden-yellow patina. The landlord Toshiotoko with raised right hand with beans he intends to throw during the so-called Oni Yarai ceremony for New Year's to dispel the devils. One scared specimen is sitting by his feet. He wears the ceremonial robe and holds a Dai table in his left hand, with the Masu full of beans on it. Height 4.2cm. Signed: Issai. Condition A.
Provenance: -Collection Karl M. Schwarz, ill. Netsuke Subjects Addendum, 2001, no. A 33.
Literature: -Cf. for a similar Netsuke, Baur Coll. No. C 199 & 200.
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.