Netsuke, figure of Hotei (god of prosperity), carved ivory, signed Kohosai, Japan, late 19th century.
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1875-1900
This carved and stained ivory netsuke is in the form of Hotei, god of prosperity, with a jovial and lined face. He wears a loose robe and stands, holding a rigid fan in his right hand and the cords of his sack in his left hand; his bag is cleverly incorporated into the design and the opening can be seen in the lower front right.
This is probably an ingenious imitation of the large pottery models which were made in Bizen province during the 19th century. The ceramic nature of of the original is indicated by the seams along the sides and the brown stains and by the fact that the netsuke is hollow.
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
- Dimensions
- Height 4.3 cm
- Materials and techniques
- Carved ivory
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Candidate id
- vam-O228753
- Museum object number
- 498-1904
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked single-object source. Wider type attribution and authenticity have not been independently verified.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type and source attribution against specialist references.