A boxwood netsuke of a fly whisk (hossu). 19th century - image-1

Lot 127 Dα

A boxwood netsuke of a fly whisk (hossu). 19th century

Auction 1036 - overview Cologne
14.06.2014, 10:00 - The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke I
Estimate: 200 € - 300 €
Result: 732 € (incl. premium)

A boxwood netsuke of a fly whisk (hossu). 19th century

The tassel/plume spirals around the handle.
Length 5.2 cm

Hossu are one of the emblems of a high-ranking Buddhist priest, particularly those of the Zen sect. The whisk came to Japan from India via China and was used to flick away flies and mosquitoes. In Zen Buddhism the hossu is a token of a monk's legitimacy and authority and stands for swishing away delusive thoughts and ideas that are continuously troubling human beings. It is the paramount attribute of Zen patriarch Daruma.