Ivory Japanese Netsuke of a Mythical Baku (Dream eater)

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Ivory Japanese Netsuke of a Mythical Baku (Dream eater)

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Sold Date: 04/20/2008
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

Signed Ivory JapaneseNetsuke of a Mythical Baku (Dream Eater)

A rare and highly detailed netsuke signed by the artist

This is a high quality ivory netsuke depicting a Baku (Japanese dream eater) with his trunk raised high in the air. The piece dates back to some time in or around the Taisho-Period (1912-1926), and was legally imported into the United States . It is signed by the artist, and possesses the two himotoshi (chord holes) on the underside. It is in excellent condition with no breaks or losses. This netsuke has nice detail and was carved with great skill. Authentic Japanese Baku depictions are not easy to find, and now this is your chance to get one with a very low starting bid and no reserve. It measures 4.5cm (1.75 inches) high.

Over the past few weeks I have been listing netsukesÂ' from my personal collection of Japanese mythical creatures. I have been listing one netsuke per week, and this Baku is the last netsuke from my collection. I will not be offering anymore unless I happen to run into a collection that has a lot of Japanese mythical creatures in it sometime in the future. So this is it for now. Thanks to everyone who bid and purchased in the past. Good luck; and happy bidding!

Baku : The Baku is a mythical creature that was introduced to Japan from China . It survives by eating the bad dreams or the evil spirits that cause bad dreams, and it is believed that this is the Baku Â's only source of nourishment. When the Baku eats a personÂ's nightmare, it is said that the Baku then turns it into good fortune.

Like most mythical Japanese creatures, the Baku is a chimera, being a curious composite of various different animals. However, it is thought that the Baku was originally based on the Tapir of southern Asia, but once knowledge of it made it into Japan (w t are no Tapirs), the creatureÂ's appearance had changed a great deal from its early tapir beginnings. Basically, the Baku has the head and mane of a lion, the trunk and tusks of an elephant, the body of a horse, the legs and feet of a tiger, and the tail of an ox.

In addition to its fierce appearance, the Baku also produces droppings that are so hard they can be used as weapons, and its urine is said to be deadly, easily dissolving metals such as iron and copper. The bones of the Baku are so dense and hard that a sword is of no use against them, and they seem to be totally immune to the affects of fire.

It is said that if a person keeps an image of a Baku in their bedroom, and they wake from a bad dream, they are to sit up and call out to Baku to eat their dream. The Baku will then eat the nightmare and convert it into good fortune. In early times wooden carvings of Baku were displayed on Japanese temples to ward off evil. During the Edo Period, it was very popular for people to decorate their pillow-coverings with the Chinese Character that stands for Baku . In more modern times, it is not unusual for children in Japan to be sent to bed with a stuffed Baku toy much in the same way that western children would sleep with their stuffed bear.

In both China and Japan it is believed that the success of the entire year can be determined by the kind of dreams that one has on the night just before New YearÂ's Day. As a result, New YearÂ's Eve is a very busy time for Baku , and depictions of him become very hard to find during this time.

NOTE: This netsuke was imported legally into the United States . Please read description thoroughly and ask any questions you may have before bidding, as all sales are final (unless the item has been grossly misrepresented). If item is lost or arrives damaged, a refund can only be given if the buyer purchased the optional insurance, or if they use Express mail which automatically includes insurance for purchases up to $100.00 in value. I must be notified of any claims within one week from the time of delivery. Thank you for your interest.

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