The rat catcher, equipped with a large club, is holding down a box with one hand in an effort to catch the rat, which has escaped onto his back. He is visibly frustrated, as he is exclaiming while turning his head and looking at the innocent rat which has eluded him. The rat (nezumi) is a symbol of wealth and the companion of the lucky god Daikoku. That may explain why rat catchers had such a bad reputation, since he is usually depicted emaciated, ugly and demonic, as in the present carving. All eyes inlaid in dark horn, and the signature on the underside SEIKEI.

Category:

-

Subcategory:

-

Subject:

Figural Daily Life

Material:

Ivory

Age/Country:

19th Century

Artist:

Seikei

Provenance/Owner:

Galerie Zacke

Signed:

signed

Type:

Katabori

Height:

42mm mm

Width:

56mm mm

Depth:

mm

ID number: