The William Oates Jeffery Collection - Netsuke, Ojime, and other Ivory Objects

 Sennin with Gourd and Basket

dimensions:

 2 1/8" high x 1 1/8" wide x 1 1/8" deep

Collected in Japan

  circa 1935

18th century ivory or stag antler netsuke depicting a hermit or begger in clothing made of leaves, carrying a large gourd and a basket.  The figure is known as a "Sennin", solitary beings on the path to find immortality.  The figure is probably Chokaro, (one of the eight Chinese Taoist Immortals who was believed to be the relative of the Emperor), or Tekkai, (Tekkai  was forced to inhabit the body of a starving begger after his own body was accidentally destroyed during an out of body experience).

SOLD

Two ( himotochi ) holes in back.  

Unsigned.

Excellent Condition.  

Nice golden yellow patina.

Figure is very similar in style to this Chakaro figure dated to the same period.  Stylistic similarities in the hair, facial features, leaves, and modeling of the cloth  indicate both figures are probably by the same artist, or at least from the same school.

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