Ivory netsuke of a karako with fan by Hosai
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
mid-19th century, Edo period
This Japanese netsuke, crafted from ivory during the mid-19th century Edo period, depicts a karako, or Chinese child, in a dynamic and joyful pose. The figure is carved standing and dancing, with one foot raised while holding a large fan.
The child is depicted with a wide, toothy grin, featuring a mouth stained with red pigment and eyes crinkled in laughter. His hair is styled into two traditional knots. The figure is dressed in layers of clothing, with the outer robe showing fine incised geometric patterns and an elegant bow at the back. Standing 3.5 cm in height, the netsuke is a fine example of the craftsmanship associated with the carver Hosai, a pupil of the renowned master Meikeisai Hojitsu.
The object features a functional himotoshi (cord hole) on the reverse, essential for its traditional purpose as a toggle for hanging personal belongings from an obi sash. The piece demonstrates the high level of detail, character expression, and technical proficiency characteristic of Japanese netsuke carving during this era.
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
- 3.5 cm
- Material
- ivory
Design
- Hair
- two knots
- Subject
- karako (Chinese child)
- Clothing
- layered robes with incised geometric patterns and bow
- Attributes
- holding a fan, dancing, laughing
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
- Hosai
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.