Beschreibung:

By Raku, signed Raku 乐 Japan, Osaka, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, Vol. 1, pp. 186-187, no. K756. The lucky god smiling, holding a cane and the antler of his companion stag which lies before him, nestling close and looking up, the large eyes inlaid in dark lustrous horn. The ivory is lightly stained and smoothly polished – both very typical for the Osaka school around Risuke Garaku. Himotoshi through the back and signature RAKU within a wavy reserve underneath. HEIGHT 5.9 cm Condition: Very good condition. Some minor surface wear and natural age cracks. Provenance: Ex-collection Julius and Arlette Katchen, Paris. Literature comparison: The name Raku is associated with artists trained by, or associated with, Risuke Garaku of Osaka, working around 1800 and later. For a very similar example, see, Victor Harris (1987) Hull Grundy Collection in the British Museum, p. 26, no. 24.