ADVENT DEER NETSUKE

Advent Calendar Day 21

 
Manjū netsuke depicting a child riding a sacred deer, mid-late 19th century by Meikeisai Hōjitsu

  

Manjū netsuke depicting a child riding a sacred deer, mid-late 19th century

This netsuke features a young boy masquerading as Jurōjin and riding his sacred deer.

Jurōjin is the god of longevity, one of Japan's Seven Gods of Good Fortune. He is usually depicted as an old man with a white beard carrying a staff. sometimes accompanied by a stag.

A netsuke is worn as part of Japanese traditional dress to perform the function of allowing items to be attached to the sash of a kimono. Initially these objects were simply carved but, over time they became ornate sculptures displaying high-levels of craftsmanship. Worn by men of all levels of society, netsuke became particularly fashionable among the merchant class during the Edo period (1600–1868) as a popular way of indicating their wealth and status.

Manjū netsuke depicting a child riding a sacred deer

Meikeisai Hōjitsu
c. 1800–1872
Tokyo
EA2001.79

Not currently on display

    

Reverse of a Manjū netsuke depicting a child riding a sacred deer, mid-late 19th century by Meikeisai Hōjitsu