A FINE AND RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A HEROIC EQUESTRIAN FIGURE ABOVE CRASHING WAVES

LOT 365 · 已结束

起拍价 EUR2400.00

拍卖时间：2026-09-02 16:00

拍品描述

A FINE AND RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A HEROIC EQUESTRIAN FIGURE ABOVE CRASHING WAVES Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615–1868) Finely carved as a dynamic equestrian figure seated astride a powerful horse striding through surging waters, the hooves planted firmly amid dramatically curling waves. The animal is rendered with remarkable vitality, its head slightly turned and the eyes double-inlaid in amber and dark horn. The rider leans forward, gripping the reins with controlled tension, clad in voluminous, wind-swept robes beneath which the arm guards of his armor are revealed. He wears a distinctive Chinese-style cap, possibly suggestive of travel attire or disguise. A sword is secured across his back. The face is sensitively carved with a composed yet determined expression, the eyes inlaid. The swirling base, carved as crashing waves, is pierced with a central himotoshi. LENGTH 5.3 cm The subject is traditionally identified as Gentoku (Liu Bei), later Emperor Zhaolie, crossing the Dankei (Tan) torrent on his famed steed Tekiro, an episode drawn from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the 14th-century historical novel by Luo Guanzhong recounting the struggles of rival kingdoms in the 3rd century. The scene symbolizes perseverance and escape against overwhelming odds. However, the present depiction is notable for its unusual interpretation. Gentoku is typically represented as a mature statesman with a long flowing beard, whereas the figure here appears youthful and beardless, suggesting either an unconventional rendering of the hero or a more generalized literary or warrior subject inspired by similar narratives of heroic flight. The carving stands out for its sculptural dynamism and finely balanced composition, the interplay between rider, horse, and waves demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of movement and form. Works of this type, combining complex figural carving with animated landscape elements, represent some of the most accomplished achievements of Edo period netsuke carving.

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