Ivory netsuke of a cluster of reishi fungi by Ozaki Kokusai
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1860s-1880s
This Japanese netsuke, carved from ivory, depicts a naturalistic cluster of reishi fungi emerging from a thick, curving stem. Attributed to the master carver Ozaki Kokusai (1835-1892) and dating to the 1860s-1880s, the piece features one large, prominently arching mushroom cap accompanied by two smaller fungi at its base.
The artist skillfully incorporated the organic characteristics of the ivory, utilizing its natural surface variations, age cracks, and irregularities to enhance the realism of the design. A weathered, decaying aesthetic is achieved through a meticulous combination of fine stippling, irregular surface pitting, and deliberate dark staining. This treatment mirrors techniques often found in Kokusai’s works in stag-antler, his preferred material.
The piece measures 5 cm in height and includes a functional himotoshi (cord hole) integrated into the stem. A seal mark reading 'KOKU' within a square reserve is located on the underside of the carving.
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
- Height
- 5 cm
- Material
- ivory
Technical characteristics
- Feature
- himotoshi
Design
- Motif
- cluster of reishi fungi
- Signature
- KOKU
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Ozaki Kokusai
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.