YASUFUSA: A LARGE CONTEMPORARY WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI

拍品描述

YASUFUSA: A LARGE CONTEMPORARY WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI By Saito Yasufusa (born 1931), signed Yasufusa 保房 Japan, late 20th century Powerfully carved as Shoki, the demon queller, standing in a commanding pose with his head turned sharply upward. He holds a sword at his side and the scabbard in the opposite hand. His fierce expression is boldly rendered with furrowed brows, intense eyes, a broad nose, and a full beard framed by thick, curling hair. He wears long official robes finely incised with floral and scrolling motifs. Natural himotoshi beneath the scabbard and signed to the back of the leg YASUFUSA. HEIGHT 7.6 cm Yasufusa (Saito Yasuo, born 1931) was born in Tokyo and began training as a netsuke carver at the age of nineteen. He initially studied finishing techniques under his uncle Yoshikane before learning the carving of female figures from his father and working alongside his cousin Bishu. His early production included manju netsuke, although he later devoted himself primarily to animal subjects. His work represents a modern continuation of the traditional art of netsuke carving, shaped by family instruction, close observation, and disciplined craftsmanship. Shoki, the legendary demon queller, is a powerful protective figure believed to ward off evil spirits, illness, and misfortune. In Japan, his fierce image became especially popular during the Edo period and frequently appeared in paintings, prints, sword fittings, and netsuke. He is typically depicted with a stern expression, full beard, official cap, sword, and court robes, combining the authority of a Confucian official with the supernatural power of an exorcist.

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