Netsuke signed "Tokoku" with inlaid silver seal "Bairyu"
1.2" (3 cm) high - Meiji period
Netsuke signed "Tokoku"
with inlaid silver seal "Bairyu"
1.2" (3 cm) high - Meiji period
The fierce looking warrior gazing
in wonderment at this stupa (Buddhist devotional shrine) is none other than a
Buddhist god himself. The celebrated 19th century netsuke carver Kokoku wittily
has portrayed Bishamon, a defender and proponent of the Buddhist faith, instead
as a devotee.
Bishamon provides many functions as the guardian of the northern quarter of the
universe, as a dispenser of good fortune, and as a patron of warriors. Typically
shown in an imperious stance with wrathful expression, here Bishamon sits
peacefully and casually in rapt contemplation of this meditational tool. He has
slung his sword (usually held proudly in his right hand) across his back, so
better to hold the stupa with both hands. The fierce tiger that often
accompanies Bishamon now crouches at his side like an obedient pet, equally in
awe of the stupa.
As Bishamon is also a god of wealth, Kokoku has spared no expense in the
composition of this netsuke. Beautiful sculpted sections of boxwood form
Bishamon’s body and even his eyebrows. His boots are formed of contrasting
ebony. Ivory is used for the tiger, the stupa, and the face and hands of the
god. Glowing sections of tortoiseshell are inlaid into Bishamon’s battle-gear,
and his sword sheath is inlaid in gold and silver. Gold also is used for the
engraved seal of the artist on the base.