KOHOSAI: A VERY RARE NARWHAL TUSK MANJU NETSUKE WITH MASKS
By Ueda Kohosai, signed genji gannen kino-ne shunjitsu Kohosai kore wo koku
Japan, Osaka, dated 1864, Edo period (1615-1868)

Carved from a thick cross-section of a narwhal tusk, incredibly rare, and carved in shishiabori (sunken relief) with three masks including an impressive Hannya mask. The reverse fitted with a shibuichi loop for cord attachment and signed KOHOSAI 公鳳齋 kore wo koku with a date of Genji first year, equivalent to 1864. The outer ridge and concentric grain of this rare material is a sight to behold and seamlessly integrated into the design.

DIAMETER 5.3 cm

Condition: Very good condition with natural crackling.
Provenance: British collection.