AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI AND FUKUROKUJU

AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI AND FUKUROKUJU Unsigned Japan, early to mid-18 th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Depicting the two lucky gods performing mimikaki, a gesture of affection. Hotei is kneeling behind a recumbent Fukurokuju, cleaning his ear with an earpick, while the latter rests his large, elongated head on an uchiwa fan. A charming and well-carved netsuke with a phenomenal and unctuous golden-yellow patina, turning into a caramel-brown in some areas. Asymmetrical and generously excavated himotoshi underneath. LENGTH 5 cm Condition: Good age-related condition with some wear to details and an old chip to the edge of Fukurokuju’s robe. Provenance: Ancient and important collection Albert Brockhaus (1855-1912), acquired from ‘Levin’ on 25 February 1906.