Japanese wood and ivory netsuke of Hotei by Mitsunobu, Meiji period
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)
This Japanese netsuke, dating from the late 19th-century Meiji period (1868-1912), depicts Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods. The figure is seated in a relaxed pose with a joyful expression and an ample belly, skillfully carved from polished and stained ivory.
He is dressed in a voluminous robe of dark-stained wood that flows around his frame; he holds a small fan in one hand. The treasure bag accompanying the figure is highly detailed, featuring fine multicolored inlays of stained horn and amber, which are carefully set into geometric incision work. The netsuke measures 3.6 cm in length. The underside features two asymmetrical himotoshi for cord attachment and bears the signature of the carver, Mitsunobu.
The piece is executed in a style reminiscent of the carver Suzuki Tokoku, who was active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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
- Length
- 3.6 cm
- Materials
- ivory, wood, horn, amber
Technical characteristics
- Himotoshi
- two asymmetrical holes
Design
- Motif
- fan, treasure bag, geometric incisions
- Subject
- Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods
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
- Mitsunobu
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.