27th May, 2022 13:00
Fine Japanese Art
254
Ɏ MASATOMO: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A STATION BELL (EKIREI)
Sold for €1,011
including Buyer's Premium
By Masatomo, signed Masatomo
Japan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The globular bell surmounted by a loop encircled by chrysanthemum petals and carved with a loose semi-circular handle, the sides carved with two shaped reverses, each enclosing the characters ekirei carved in relief against a stippled ground heightened with sumi. Signed below the chrysanthemum collar MASATOMO.
HEIGHT 4.5 cm
Condition: Very good condition with wear, minor age cracks. Fine and smooth honey patina.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.
Under the Japanese ritsuryo system, station bells or post bells (ekirei) were bells of red copper issued by the central government or by local provincial government offices to travelling officials or messengers known as ekishi. Functioning as a proof of identity, they allowed them to procure horses and labor at post stations. Depending on the rank of the emissary, the bells were marked with a number of notches regulating the number of horses that could be requested. A prince of royal blood of first rank, for example, would receive ten horses. On urgent dispatches the ekishi would ride with the bells ringing in order to be able to change horses at any time of day or night without delay. These bells were also known as post road bells (ekiru no suzu) or stable bells (umaya no suzu). The system was established in the Taiho Code from 701 and was in use until the end of the 12th century or the end of the Heian period when it fell in disuse together with the demise of the centralized state.
Literature comparison:
A related ivory netsuke of a station bell, also carved with the ekirei characters in relief, but of different form, is illustrated by Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 372, no. 1120.
Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0291).
By Masatomo, signed Masatomo
Japan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The globular bell surmounted by a loop encircled by chrysanthemum petals and carved with a loose semi-circular handle, the sides carved with two shaped reverses, each enclosing the characters ekirei carved in relief against a stippled ground heightened with sumi. Signed below the chrysanthemum collar MASATOMO.
HEIGHT 4.5 cm
Condition: Very good condition with wear, minor age cracks. Fine and smooth honey patina.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.
Under the Japanese ritsuryo system, station bells or post bells (ekirei) were bells of red copper issued by the central government or by local provincial government offices to travelling officials or messengers known as ekishi. Functioning as a proof of identity, they allowed them to procure horses and labor at post stations. Depending on the rank of the emissary, the bells were marked with a number of notches regulating the number of horses that could be requested. A prince of royal blood of first rank, for example, would receive ten horses. On urgent dispatches the ekishi would ride with the bells ringing in order to be able to change horses at any time of day or night without delay. These bells were also known as post road bells (ekiru no suzu) or stable bells (umaya no suzu). The system was established in the Taiho Code from 701 and was in use until the end of the 12th century or the end of the Heian period when it fell in disuse together with the demise of the centralized state.
Literature comparison:
A related ivory netsuke of a station bell, also carved with the ekirei characters in relief, but of different form, is illustrated by Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 372, no. 1120.
Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0291).
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