A TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF TEKKAI SENNINWood netsuke. Japan, 19th centuryThe immortal with his iron cane, which he is holding in one hand. He is wearing the characteristic garment made of Artemisia leaves. There is a small figure behind his head that represents the Chinese philosopher Laozi (Roshi in Japanese), founder of Taoism. Tekkai was able to leave his body with his soul to meet Laozi in heaven for a chat. Tekkai, Li Tieguai in China, is one of the Eight Immortals. Unusual netsuke, also no himotoshi, however there are small spaces between the cane and his body to thread the cord through. Condition: Good general condition - minor wear; there is some paint on the bottom of his feet, however not restored Provenance: From an important Austrian private collection, acquired before 1930HEIGHT 9.9 CM