Netsuke of a tennin (Buddhist angel)
Signature Hoshu (Yoshihide)
Height: 1.7" (4.3 cm) — Japan, Meiji period
Netsuke of a tennin (Buddhist angel)
Signature Hoshu (Yoshihide)
Height:
1.7" (4.3 cm) — Japan, Meiji period
The beautiful
figure in flight depicted above bears a lotus bud, wishing a blossoming of
enlightenment for those in her path. This netsuke of a tennin (Buddhist
angel) captures perfectly the elegance, beauty, and compassion inherent in this
subject. Depicted in Buddhist painting and sculpture for centuries, tennin
accompany Buddhas & Bodhisattvas, wearing flowing celestial garments and
gracefully hovering amidst an extravagant procession representing the richness
of the soul in Buddhist philosophy.
The artist Hoshu, renowned for crafting netsuke with Buddhist themes, has
created this treasure with a splendid array of materials. The body of the
tennin is of delicately engraved ivory, rendering the facial features with
an expression of benevolence. The lotus she carries is also formed of ivory, the
bud delicately stained light red. The robes, carved of boxwood, rhythmically
flow as the tennin glides through the air. The crown, necklace, and
bracelets (traditional adornments for this type of Buddhist figure) are minutely
crafted of silver and bronze, enhanced with mother-of-pearl inlay. Hoshu has
added an exquisite touch, featuring his engraved signature on an inlaid silver
tablet and his seal on an inlaid gold tablet.