Stag antler netsuke of this style and quality are quite rare. Depicted is a tartar archer with Chinese cap and robes with expressive cloud patterns, grim expression and flowing beard. The archer has many similarities with depictions of Shoki, and it is known that their attributes were combined with each other in some netsuke. Perhaps also the ideal Chinese or Mongol warrior was simply closely associated with Shoki in the Japanese mind. The archer draws an arrow from a quiver, which extends downwards to his left showing the natural orientation of the piece of antler used. The material is of a very good color and the porous structure of the antler adds a special touch to the composition. The hollow base has been plugged to make the figure stand and there are three himotoshi, the largest on the side, to hold the figure in place on the obi (belt), as otherwise it would slightly tilt to the left. The carver has utilized a very difficult section of stag antler, which some would consider scrap material, to create a true masterpiece.

Category:

Netsuke

Subcategory:

-

Subject:

Daily Life

Material:

Antler

Age/Country:

18th Century

Artist:

-

Provenance/Owner:

Galerie Zacke

Signed:

unsigned

Type:

Tall figural

Height:

83mm mm

Width:

mm

Depth:

mm

ID number: