Netsuke, Tanuki bôzu, ca. 1850

Netsuke, Tanuki as a Priest

Ivory, one eye of horn

Height6,3 cm

Status

on display, room 008

About the workThis badger-like animal originates from the Japanese mythological world. The creature was said to have the ability to take on human form. Here it transforms into a priest and thus denounces the hypocrisy of monks. The small figure is a “netsuke” (toggle) and prevented small pouches and objects worn on the belt of the Japanese kimono from falling off. When choosing netsuke motifs, there were no limits to the imagination and artistic sensibility of the artists and owners.

AccessionGift of Bruno Werdelmann 2004

Provenance[...]; bis 25.10.2004 Prof. Dr. Dr. hc. Bruno Werdelmann (1920 – 2010), Ratingen; 25.10.2004 erworben durch Schenkung von Bruno Werdelmann

Inventory numberP 2005-232

Netsuke
Japanese Art
Edo period

Contact

sammlung@kunstpalast.de

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https://sammlung.kunstpalast.de/objects/52883/netsuke-tanuki-bozu

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