KOKEI: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SHISHI TRAINING ITS CUB By Kokei, signed Kokei 虎溪
Japan, Kuwana, Ise province, first half of 19^th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The adult shishi standing on a high rock, its well-carved bushy tail trailing down the other side, watching as her cub tumbles to the ground looking up at its mother, its arms swaying helplessly. The details finely carved in the typical manner of the artist, the wood slightly worn and bearing a good patina. Himotoshi cleverly incorporated into the design, through the rock underneath, and signed KOKEI.

LENGTH 3.8 cm

Condition: Excellent condition with associated surface wear.
Provenance: Ex-collection Ted Wrangham. Edward A. ‘Ted’ Wrangham (1928-2009) formed one of the most important collections of Japanese Art in modern times. His reference book ‘The Index of Inro Artists’ (1995) is considered one of the most important English-language studies on Japanese lacquer ever published.

The subject illustrated is known as Shishi no ko otoshi. According to legend, the adult shishi test the vitality and strength of their offspring by throwing them off a cliff. Should the youngsters survive, they are certain to have a long life.

Auction comparison:
A wood netsuke of a shishi by Kokei was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 105 (sold for 7,584 EUR).