Netsuke Signed Takeyuki - Japan - Edo Period (1615 - 1868)

NETSUKE showing an OLD MAN carrying a CHIKARAISHI 
Signed TAKEYUKI
Japan, Edo period (1615 - 1868)
Wood and bone 
H. 3.4 ; L 2.8 cm
(very slight accident and small restoration to the left foot)

This monoxyle wooden netsuke is carved with an old man, probably blind, crouching down, preparing to lift a stone of strength called a chikaraishi. He is dressed in a fundoshi - the traditional male undergarment belted at the waist. His bald head has a horn or ball of bone at the back, called an inion. 
His left eye is inlaid with a small ball of bone and his visible teeth are also carved from the same material.  
On the base, a rectangular inlaid bone cartouche is signed by the artist Takeyuki.

The use of netsuke refers to a very specific application: the kimono, a traditional Japanese garment, has no fastenings, button plackets or belt loops. Nor does it have any pockets. The obi, a wide ribbon of fabric tied with a knot, was used as a belt to keep the kimono closed. It was from the obi that the Japanese hung their inrō, a small box with compartments, which was used to carry everyday objects. The inrō had a cord that passed under the obi. The netsuke, attached to the end and placed above the upper edge of the belt, blocked the object. It thus acted as a cleat or counterweight.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

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