Imre Jakabffy (szerk.): Ars Decorativa 2. (Budapest, 1974)

CSEH, Éva: 18th century Japanese netsuke

example of Gyokkei's grotesque style is noted in Ueda's book."' Demon. Wood. Length: 6,7 cm. (Fig. 13) As if floating in the air or in water, with twisted members. One hand is grasping the head, his back is covered with shells. A deformed face with inlaid mother-of-pearl eyes. A very expressive carving in every detail, though not minutely carved at all. Signature on the belly: Minko. (Without kakihan) Tanaka Minko (1735—1816) one of the greatest netsuke carvers, worked in Nagoya. Originally he carved Buddhist sculptures. Already during his lifetime there were many imitations with his name. Kan Ti on lion's back. Wood. Length: 5,7 cm. (Fig. 14) The figure is sitting on a running karashishi; his beard and hair are straming behind, mixing with the shaggy tail of the karashishi. In one hand he is holding a sword. A dynamic figure. Signature on the bottom: Tametaka. The most famous master in Nagoya, mentioned as well. His works were forged in a great number. Kappa. Wood. 3,5 X 3,5 cm. (Fig. 15) The kappa is kneeling on a shell and one foot is pinched in it. The body is covered with scales, the figure wears a grass skirt. In contrast to the smooth surface of the shell, the body is finely carved. The himotoshi is sheated in ivory (missing from one of the holes.) Signature on the bottom: Suketada. He worked in Gifu in the 18th century. Wolf" mentions another example of Suketada's kappa representation, the only difference being that the back of that one is covered with a tortoise shell, otherwise they are identical.