Ivory netsuke
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
mid-19th century
By Meikeisai Hojitsu, signed Hojitsu 法實 Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved as a muscular nio seated with one leg drawn up as he applies a moxa treatment to his knee.
His superbly rendered expression, with tightly shut eyes, furrowed brows, and pursed lips, vividly conveys the discomfort of the procedure. The powerful body is sensitively modeled, the arms, legs, and chest covered with finely incised hair, while the neatly combed hair is gathered into a topknot. His loosely draped robes are decorated with scrolling clouds and geometric textile borders, the details heightened with dark sumi staining.
The ivory is smoothly polished. Himotoshi to the back and signed HOJITSU within a rectangular reserve underneath. HEIGHT 3.5 cm
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material (listing wording)
- ivory
- Dimensions or weight (listing wording)
- HEIGHT 3.5 cm
Identification
- Source note
- Auction-house description published on Invaluable. Attribution and measurements describe the photographed example; independent type authentication remains research required.
- Listing object ID
- 206787928
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Independent confirmation of type attribution and auction-house statements remains research required.