The style of this work makes it clear it was crafted by a student of Rantei in Kyoto, though comparisons can also be made to Ikko (see for example catalog no. 14 in our Netsuke Auction from 24th November 2018). The rabbit is carved in a sensitive manner, seated with its head looking down, the ears attached to the body and the eyes inlaid with lustrous black horn. The rabbit (usagi) is one of the twelve signs of the Japanese zodiac and also a popular motif as the moon rabbit. The fur is carved precisely and stained in some areas to simulate the piebald fur coat of the little rabbit. A very well-rounded composition, with natural himotoshi between the legs, which also show the signature RANICHI, a pupil of the well-known Hogen Rantei, who showed individual character in his compositions, and made mainly carvings of animals.

Category:

-

Subcategory:

-

Subject:

Animal

Material:

Ivory

Age/Country:

19th Century

Artist:

Ranichi

Provenance/Owner:

Galerie Zacke

Signed:

signed

Type:

Katabori

Height:

26mm mm

Width:

mm

Depth:

mm

ID number: