Yoshihide (Hoshu) (1868-1912)
circa 1900
A seated rakan (arhat) sits with one knee raised and resting on a reishi fungus staff as he leans forward to read a scroll unfurled at his feet. His brows are pulled together in a frown of concentration and his lips are parted.
His face is angular and emaciated and hooped earrings hang from his heavy-lobed ears. The simple robe draped over one shoulder bears a design of stylised waves and spray, the water droplets carved in ukibori. Although well-known for his inlays in various materials, this piece has none.
