An unusual ivory netsuke of Hotei and two wrestling karako, by Toshikata (Nenpô). Late 19th century
Hotei stands and holds a Chinese-type fan while he is amused by the two karakos wrestling on top of his potbelly, the fan functioning as the prop of the sumo bout’s referee. Signed Toshikata (Nenpô) in an oval reserve.
Height 7.7 cm
Provenienz
Sotheby’s Olympia, London, 15.11.2001, lot 129
Kolodotschko Collection