HOSHINSAI: A FINE EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF OMORI HIKOSHICHI ENCOUNTERING A DEMON

HOSHINSAI: A FINE EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF OMORI HIKOSHICHI ENCOUNTERING A DEMON
By Hoshinsai, signed Hoshinsai 法眞齋
Japan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18
th
to early 19
th
century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A finely carved and powerfully executed wood netsuke, displaying a superb aji (patina). The hero Omori Hikoshichi is shown drawing his sword and looking back at the Hannya-faced demon which he carries on his back, the demon pulling a grimace and holding a loose strand of hair in her hand. According to legend, he thought he was carrying a beautiful lady across a stream, but in the ripples of the moonlight reflected on the water he discovered her true demonic form. Large himotoshi to the back and signed HOSHINSAI - a rarely encountered Edo school artist working in the style of Gessho.
HEIGHT 4.9 cm
Condition: Very good condition with typical and attractive wear. A small repair to one foot.
Provenance:
A noted private collection, USA.
Auction comparison:
Compare to related, yet larger, Edo school wood netsuke depicting the same subject, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 151 (
sold for 12,008 EUR
).
13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.