Signed Ivory Japanese Netsuke: Tanuki (Raccoon Dog)

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Signed Ivory Japanese Netsuke: Tanuki (Raccoon Dog)

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Sold Date: 04/06/2008
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

Signed Ivory JapaneseNetsuke: Tanuki (Raccoon Dog)

This is a beautiful elephant ivory netsuke depicting a magical shape-shifting Tanuki (Japanese Raccoon Dog) assuming the form of a teapot. The piece dates back to the Meiji/Taisho Period (circa 1868-1926), and was legally imported into the United States . The piece is signed by the artist, and possesses the two himotoshi (chord holes) on the underside. It is in excellent condition with a nice patina and a little dust in the tight spots. This netsuke has very nice detail and is quite charming. It measures 3.25cm (1.35 inch) high x 5.5cm (2.25 inches) long.

Over the next few weeks, I will be auctioning off the last few netsukes from my personal collection of Japanese mythical creatures. These are the "keepers" of my collection as I originally intended to keep them for myself. But I have decided sell the entire collection so as to be able to focus more on other interests. I will be offering one netsuke every week for the next few weeks, and when these are gone, that will be it. I will not be offering any others after that. Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

Tanuki : (also known as the Japanese Raccoon dog or Japanese Badger). The Tanuki is basically a raccoon-like animal that is native to Japan . While this animal actually does exist, it is also plays a major role in Japanese mythology as well. Like the Raccoon of the Americas , the Tanuki is also nocturnal, and is often depicted in scroll paintings gazing up at the moon in the night sky. Tanukies are known to be fun loving tricksters that are somewhat lazy, but generally harmless. They like to drink, but they never seem to pay their bill. Ceramic depictions of these mischievous jokers from the Showa-Period (1929-1989) often portray them with a sake bottle in hand. In addition to being pranksters, Tanukies are said to be shape-shifters with the ability to assume the form of other living beings as well as inanimate objects.

That being said, they often have trouble with transforming their tails and sometimes other various parts of their bodies. I was recently admiring a scroll of a Japanese woman walking at night carrying a lantern. I was confused by the title of the scroll; "Tanuki carrying Lantern", and then I noticed a fluffy animal tail sticking out from underneath the back of her kimono. It was then that I realized that this actually was a depiction of a Tanuki that was assuming the form of a woman. It is also fairly common to see the Tanuki assuming the form of a teapot (as seen with this netsuke). Again, the transformation is not a perfect one, and the legs often remain and act as feet for the pot. The head is w the spout would be, and of course the tail sticks out the back. This is a fairly common theme for old Meiji-Period (1868-1911) koros (incense burners). These images are based on an old Japanese story about a Tanuki that was helping himself to some food while in the home of an old Buddhist monk who happened to be away at the time. When the monk returned home, the Tanuki panicked and turned himself into a teapot. The monk then put the teapot/tanuki over the fire to heat up the tea, and the Tanuki ran away. Amused, the monk let him go, knowing the Tanuki had learned a valuable lesson that day.

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.