By Muneyoshi, signed Muneyoshi saku
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

The Zen patriarch standing atop a single reed – after an unsuccessful encounter with the Chinese Liang-dynasty Emperor Wu, Bodhidharma is said to have sailed up the Yangtze River on a single reed to continue his journey to promote Zen – and holding a hossu in one hand, his characteristic cowl neatly incised with Ho-o birds amid swirling clouds. His face is well detailed with a bushy beard and brows as well as large eyes and a prominent cleft chin. Signed to the underside above the feet MUNEYOSHI saku [made by Muneyoshi]. Note the variety of textures creating a striking contrast and appealing feel to the okimono.

HEIGHT 16.5 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and few natural age cracks.
Provenance: French private collection.

This item contains or is made from elephant ivory and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Please note that in compliance with EU regulation effective January 19th, 2022, all items carved from elephant ivory before 1947 must carry a legal trade permit issued by the Austrian ministry of trade, or any other appropriate authority within the European Union. For this reason, any sale of such item can only be concluded after such permit has been granted. All payments made prior to the issuance of the respective permit will be held in escrow until the application for the permit has been approved. Please note that according to EU regulation it may take up to 3 months until the permit has been granted. In case the permit is declined, or not granted after 3 months, the payment will be returned to the client immediately.