Lot 525 D‡α

An Osaka school ivory netsuke of a laughing Hotei and a karakô, by Masakazu. Early 19th century

Hotei stands grabbing the feet of a karako sitting on his shoulders, while the boy holds onto Hotei’s head for balance and looks upwards, the garments finely engraved with Hidemasa-type scrolls, Hotei’s loosely worn robe revealing his large pot-belly. The hair tufts of dark brown horn. Signed Masakazu.
Height 6.3 cm