10 works, Japan’s Tiny Netsuke Carvings, with footnotes
Reclining goat by (late 1800s)
Ivory with eyes inlaid in coral and dark horn pupils
Osaka, Japan British Museum
Kaigyokusai Masatsugu was born in 1813, the fitst son of Shimizu Kichibei of Sugishitadori, Osaka. In 1829, he was adopted by Yasunaga Kichirobei. After the death of his adoptive father, he succeeded to the name of Yasunaga. Yasunaga had no teachers in the study of carving techniques. His sketches were made from life. Carved wood and ivory. He used the name of Masatsugu until approximately his 20th year, Kaigyokudo until approximately his 20th year, Kaigyoku until about his 50th year, and Kaigyokusai thereafter. Yasunaga died in 1892 in Osaka at 80.
Masatsugu carved different types of animal, especially those represented in the zodiac cycle. His famourite material was ivory, of which he used only the finest quality. More on Kaigyokusai Masatsugu
A netsuke is a miniature sculpture, originating in 17th century Japan. Initially a simply-carved button fastener on the cords of an inro box, netsuke later developed into ornately sculpted objects of craftsmanship…