A REMARKABLE TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF CHINNAN SENNIN WITH DRAGON, ATTRIBUTED TO SOSHIN

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A REMARKABLE TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF CHINNAN SENNIN WITH DRAGON, ATTRIBUTED TO SOSHIN Attributed to Soshin, unsigned Japan, Osaka or Kii, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868) Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2006) More Things in Heaven and Earth, pp. 40-41, no. 11. A remarkable wood figure of the immortal Chinnan stroking a loose strand of hair and holding an alms bowl from which a minutely carved dragon emerges, the creature looking up at its conjuror and gently placing one claw against Chinnan’s chest. This small yet striking detail is executed with peculiar sensitivity, almost surprising the viewer, giving a rare glimpse into the bond shared by the dragon and sennin. Chinnan’s glaring eyes, inlaid in pale and dark horn, and opened mouth confirm this heightened sense of pleasure induced by the dragon’s touch. The immortal wears a neatly incised leaf cloak and has a curious horn-like protrusion emerging from his head, which is usually an attribute of rishi such as the immortal Ikkaku. The back with large, asymmetrical, and generously excavated himotoshi placed at an angle. The wood bearing a fine, dark patina. HEIGHT 9.3 cm Literature comparison: Compare a related figure of Tekkai sennin, by Soshin, note the similar crispness of the carving and the expression with peculiarly inlaid eyes, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2006) More Things in Heaven and Earth, no. 37.

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