A LARGE IVORY NETSUKE OF KAN’U Lot n° 26

Unsigned Japan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The god of war standing tall, stroking his beard with one hand, and holding his dragon-bladed half down with the other. His gauntlets are adorned with inlaid horn buttons. His expression is powerful and deeply focused. His facial hair and the surface of his robe are finely engraved and inked for texture. The backside shows an attractive yellow color and large asymmetrical himotoshi. HEIGHT 11.8 cm Condition: Excellent condition with expected age cracks. Provenance: British private collection. Literature comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke of a standing Kan'u likely by the same hand in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2004) Outside the Box, pp. 26-27, no. 8.