Here we have a fantastic Meiji Period ivory netsuke depicting Hotei laughing. This cheerful god is depicted here with several signature aspects: grinning widely with his signature rounded belly, resting against his cloth sack and holding a fly whisk. Carved to the back of his bulging cloth sack is 佛, the character for Buddha. Hotei was believed by his followers to be a reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha.
During this period, access to ivory was primarily in major metropolitan centers such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Edo (Tokyo). The rounded features suggest that this is likely from the Osaka school, and compliment the auspicious nature of Hotei well.
Signed to the base is 江信 (Enobu) who was a carver of some note, as seen by the fine detail to the carving and ivory details characteristic of the Meiji Period (19th century).
Price marked at $2400 AUD.
Measurements: 3.5cm high, 4 by 5.5cm approx. base measurements
Excellent antique condition. Light rubbing to mark on base but still very discernible.
