SEIYODO GANSUI: A SUBLIME BOAR TUSK NETSUKE WITH A POEM OF THE EIGHT VIEWS OF OUMI HAKKEI By Seiyodo Gansui (1809-1848), signed Seiyodo Gansui koku, Iwami Enokawa-nishi Japan, Iwami province, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: International Netsuke Society Journal, Volume 27, No,1, pp. 8-11. A sublime, shimmering boar tusk netsuke with pronounced curvature. The surface is left uncarved other than minutely incised calligraphy featuring eight poems which relate to the eight views of Oumi Hakkei (Lake Biwa). Each of the eight poems written in sosho (running script) features a four-character poetic title, here translated in order: Clearing Mist of Awazu, Night Rain at Karasaki, Descending Geese at Katata, Returning Sails at Yabase, Evening Snow at Mt. Hira, Sunset Glow at Seta River, Evening Bell at Miidera Temple and Autumn Moon at Ishiyamadera Temple. The design is probably inspired by the woodblock print set by famous artist Ando Hiroshige (1797 – 1858), who was a contemporary of Gansui. Signed SEIYODO GANSUI 青陽堂巌水 koku, Iwami Enokawa-nishi [Carved by Gansui, by the West of Enokawa River in Iwami Province]. LENGTH 10.5 cm Condition: Good condition with fine age cracks and a tiny chip to the opened terminus of the tusk. Provenance: Collection John and Donnie Hawley. A full translation of the poems can be found in the journal of the International Netsuke Society, Volume 27, no.1, pp. 8-11. Seiyodo Gansui (1809-1848) was the grandchild of Seiyodo Tomiharu (1733-1810) and son of Seiyodo Bunshojo (1764-1838). His output is considerably rarer than most Iwami province carvers.