Mitsuchika 光親 – Horse and deer

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A Japanese ivory netsuke depicting a horse emerging from a gourd and a crouching deer.

The subject represents the Chok’aro miniature horse.  It refers to the legend of Chokara sennin, an immortal being who owns a horse that he can summon as if by magic from a pumpkin if necessary. In Japanese there is a saying hyōtan kara koma, “a horse appearing from a gourd”. This expression reminds us that something completely unexpected and incredible can happen in life.

This is a natural netsuke as it has no himotoshi, but the cord can be tied at the narrowest point of the gourd’s neck.

Meiji period late 19th century

Sizes: 6,5 x 2,2 x 1,5 cm.

Condition report: Good condition

+ Certificate of Authenticity

+ Free worldwide delivery including insurance

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