Japanese carved wood netsuke of Hotei by Gyokkei
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 18th Century
This Japanese netsuke is a finely carved wooden figure depicting Hotei, one of the seven lucky gods, emerging from his large cloth sack. Hotei is shown with his hands resting upon a scroll, which features an inset ivory panel inscribed for Fukurokuju, another of the seven lucky gods.
The sculpture demonstrates intricate craftsmanship, particularly in the detailed rendering of the seams and stitches on the fabric of the sack. The netsuke is equipped with an asymmetrical himotoshi for attachment to an inro or sagemono. The object measures 1.25 inches in height and 1.25 inches in width. It is signed by the artist Gyokkei on the back. The carving dates to the late 18th century and exhibits minor signs of age-appropriate wear and scuffing.
As an artifact containing organic materials, specifically the ivory inlay, it requires specific documentation for international transit.
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
- Width
- 1.25 inches
- Height
- 1.25 inches
- Material
- Wood and ivory
Technical characteristics
- Suspension
- Asymmetrical himotoshi
Design
- Subject
- Hotei with scroll and ivory panel inscribed for Fukurokuju
- Markings
- Signed on back
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
- Gyokkei
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.