Masatoshi

An intricately carved netsuke of Kikujido, the Chrysanthemum boy. He is seated resting his weight against a small rock and holding a spray of chrysanthemum blooms. His attitude is one of contented repose. His long hair flows loosely down his back and his thick leafy robes.

Banished from the Chinese Emperor Mu’s court as a result of the machinations of other jealous couriers, he was sent to a valley filled with chrysanthemums where he spent his time writing the sacred words of Buddha, ‘taught to him by Mu’ with the dew from petals onto leaves, which he then floated down the river. Better known for his netsuke of shojo, this is an unusual subject matter from Masatoshi.

Meinertzhagen’s card index records a netsuke by Masatoshi of this description, number as 2705a in his collection, with further notes from W.W. Winkworth confirming that the netsuke was ‘now’ in his collection. With no image in Lazarnick’s MCI it is not possible to verify for sure that this is the same netsuke, though it seems likely. Cf.: Lazarnick, G. MCI, 1986, p.477.

Signed within a rectangular reserve:
Masatoshi with kao
Width: 3.9cm

PROVENANCE:
HIH Princess Takamado collection