Beschreibung:

A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF SOGA NO GORO BY WAKYOSAI Katalognummer: NE1118-066 Ivory netsuke Japan 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The revenge of the Soga brothers, Juro Sukenari and Goro Tokimune, is a popular folktale and subject for noh plays, woodblock prints and also netsuke, although very rare. The father of the two brothers was killed, when they were children, by Kudo Suketsune and when they grew up they became skilled warriors and sought blood revenge. Their opportunity came when Suketsune went on a hunting trip with Yoritomo. They killed Suketsune in the night and proclaimed their deed aloud and fought Suketsune’s retainers. One of the brothers, Sukenari, was killed and Goro fought his way to Yoritomo’s tent, but was stopped from behind by Gorumaru, who snuck up on him dressed as a woman. This dramatic netsuke shows exactly this scene when Gorumaru grabs hold of Goro. The robes of Gorumaru are carved with elaborate detail, the folds expressed, and the floral and geometrical patterns arranged in several medallions are beautifully carved and inked. Good detail to the facial expressions and to the hair of Goro, which is flowing and in movement. Goro was later executed after he was stopped by Gorumaru. Singular himotoshi through the base, which is formed by a fold of Gorumaru’s garments, next to the signature in a square reserve WAKYOSAI. HEIGHT 3.5 CM Condition: Excellent condition; minor age cracks through the back Provenance: Collection of Sam Felton with CITES permit no. 18US59513C/9. Purchased from Sachi Wagner on October 17th 1978 (old invoice available). Schätzpreis 估價: € 2.000 Startpreis 起拍價: € 1.000 -