Mid-19th Century Japanese Netsuke: Hakutaku by Gyokuzan
Netsuke
$3,750
- Material
- Ivory (more than 100 years-old
- Color
- Off-white
- Origin
- China
- Age / Period
- Mid-19th century (approx. 150–175 years old)
- Dimensions
- 1.77 inches (4.5cm) tall, 1.26 inches (3.2cm) long, and 0.94 inches (2.4cm) wide
- Condition
- Excellent
"A finely carved Japanese netsuke depicting a Hakutaku, the auspicious all-seeing beast of Chinese and Japanese legend — a genuinely rare and sought-after subject among serious netsuke collectors. Shown seated, its body covered in the round, cross-hatched eye motifs traditionally associated with this figure. The head is rendered with bulging round eyes, a furrowed brow, an open snarling mouth, and one ear carved with a distinctive curled spiral. A collar encircles the neck. Fine cross-hatched texture work runs across the back, shoulders, and haunches, contrasted against smooth carved fur/flame patterning. Signed Gyokuzan (玉山) in a reserved cartouche on the underside; the signature style is attributed to Gyokusengetsu Gyokuzan, a mid-19th century carver. The himotoshi show minimal wear, suggesting the piece saw little practical use as a sash toggle. Exceptionally well preserved for its age — remarkably crisp detail throughout for a piece 150–175 years old." Provenance: Bonhams
Ivory — please confirm before purchasing
This piece is offered as a genuine antique, over 100 years old, accompanied by documentation supporting its age. Ivory sales are legal under federal law only for items meeting this antique exemption, and several states — including California, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington — further restrict or prohibit ivory sales regardless of age. It is the buyer's responsibility to confirm that purchasing and receiving this item is legal in their own state before buying.