ISHIKAWA RENSAI: A FINE AND RARE IVORY MANJU NETSUKE OF A BUDDHIST LION AND VAJRA By Ishikawa Rensai, unsigned Japan, Asakusa, Tokyo, second half of 19th Century A superbly stained two-part ivory manju netsuke carved in highly polished sunken relief within a lobed reserve depicting a Buddhist lion sitting atop a three-pronged vajra. The motif is very unusual, full of hidden meaning and appears to be quite unique – the Buddhist lion (Shishi) has the appearance of a rikishi (wrestler) and sits atop a vajra (kongosho), therefore the motif is likely an allusion to the athletic temple guardians more commonly referred to as Nio (Kongo Rishiki). The lion has a fierce expression, muscular limbs and wears a loin-cloth belt (mawashi), all very much reminiscent of a Nio. The central relief carving is set on a masterfully stippled ground emulating the fur of a tiger, appearing like billowing clouds. Another possible interpretation is that the Buddhist lion is metamorphosing into the Kongo Rikishi by receiving the tantric power from the kongosho. The vajra is used by esoteric Buddhism as an omnipotent symbolic vehicle embodying the power of diamond and thunderbolt. The equally beautifully stained backside with a florally rimmed himotoshi. The staining, reserve and depiction are typical for Ishikawa Rensai (see Literature comparison). DIAMETER 4.4 cm Condition: The exterior in very good condition with only one thin age crack and minor wear to staining. The inside has been fitted with a structure for cord attachment, as the original structure may have been damaged. Provenance: Ancient collection Charles Cartier-Bresson (1853 – 1921), collection no. 841. Charles Cartier-Bresson was a textile industrialist and art collector specializing particularly in works from Japan. He is the great uncle of famous photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson. Additional collection no. ‘149’. Literature comparison: For another netsuke of a Shishi on a vajra by Rensai see Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, Sydney L. Moss Ltd., 2016, no. 337. For an ivory netsuke by Rensai with the same lobed reserve see Kokusai the Genius: and Stagantler Carving in Japan, Sydney L. Moss Ltd., 2016, no. 359.