Inro, netsuke, kiserusutzu

A Stag Antler Ryusa Manju Netsuke of a Kirin amongst Clouds

A Stag Antler Ryusa Manju Netsuke of a Kirin amongst Clouds

Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa, mid to late 19th century

Signed: Koku (谷)

Diameter: 4,4 cm (max. width)

Thickness: 15 mm

Provenance: Private Dutch Collection; bought at Kunsthandel Aalderink, Amsterdam.

€ 3.250,-

The Kirin (a mythical hooved chimerical type creature) galloping through stylistically shaped clouds, which form a protective rim around it. The back signed ‘Koku’ in a square, a signature which is used by several different netsuke-carvers by the name Kokusai. It is unclear which of them has carved this particular Netsuke.

In Japanese mythology, the Kirin is considered a holy creature, whose cry is a musical scale and whose footprints are perfect circles. It is very peaceful and careful, capable of walking on water and on grass without bending the blades. It doesn’t eat meat either. It only appears in places ruled by a benevolent and wise leader and is well-known for punishing the wicked. The kirin is considered as the most powerful and divine as opposed to the hōō, the ruler of birds — and is usually placed above all other mythological creatures, including the ryū and hōō. It can live up to a millennium and wounding one or coming across its corpse is considered a bad omen.

Condition: the netsuke is in good condition, showing minor traces of use.