An ivory netsuke of Ikkyû with a skull. Late 19th century - image-1

Lot 1232 Dα

An ivory netsuke of Ikkyû with a skull. Late 19th century

Auction 1053 - overview Cologne
05.06.2015, 14:00 - Japanese Art - Netsuke, Okimono, Lacquer and Sagemono, Sword Decoration
Estimate: 400 € - 600 €
Result: 558 € (incl. premium)

An ivory netsuke of Ikkyû with a skull. Late 19th century

Standing and chanting, carrying a skull by a rope.
Height 6,1 cm

According to legend, the Zen priest Ikkyû (1394-1481) went around on New Year's Day with a skull to remind people of the ephemeral nature of existence and the significance of the Buddhist way.