Japanese carved ivory square manju netsuke of Hotei by Minkoku
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Early 19th Century
This Japanese manju-style netsuke is carved from ivory and features a square, compact form. The object depicts the deity Hotei, who is shown in a seated posture with his signature large, exposed belly, leaning against his oversized sack.
The carving is highly detailed, highlighting the deity's facial expression, body and facial hair, and the distinct seams and stitches of the sack. The reverse side of the netsuke features a secondary decorative motif of a fan. The piece includes an asymmetrical himotoshi, the characteristic cord attachment point, which shows signs of in-wear usage. The ivory surface exhibits a darker patina on the back side, consistent with the piece's age from the early 19th century.
The netsuke measures approximately 1.625 inches by 1.5 inches. It is signed by the artist Minkoku on the back.
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
- ivory
- Dimensions
- 1.625" x 1.5"
Technical characteristics
- Attachment
- asymmetrical himotoshi
Design
- Obverse
- Seated Hotei with exposed belly and sack
- Reverse
- Fan decoration
- Signature
- Minkoku
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
- Minkoku
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.