19c netsuke PRIEST with gong by ISSAI ex Greenfield Collection

Description

19th century boxwood netsuke of a Buddhist priest with his mouth open wide to sing the chant, seated next to mokugye - a Buddhist gong - and holding a gong striker in his hands. Wonderful carving, excellent expressive face, deep warm patina. Signed ISSAI on an inlaid mother of pearl plaque on the bottom - for information on this rare artist see p. 517 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Formerly in Charles Greenfield collection - see Sotheby’s sale of March 24, 1999, lot 38. Length 1.4 inches.

Reserve: $1,750.00

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19c netsuke PRIEST with gong by ISSAI ex Greenfield Collection

Lot 0148

Estimate $2,000-$2,500

Feb 3, 2026, 8:13 PM EST

Starting Price

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$850

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