An ivory manju. Late 19th century - image-1
An ivory manju. Late 19th century - image-2
An ivory manju. Late 19th century - image-1An ivory manju. Late 19th century - image-2

Lot 882 Dα

An ivory manju. Late 19th century

Auction 1179 - overview Cologne
25.06.2021, 11:00 - Asiatische Kunst
Estimate: 600 € - 800 €

An ivory manju. Late 19th century

Carved to the front with a woman dressed in a kimono, and to the reverse with Daruma seated, a wall breakthrough-like reserve behind him. Inscribed Hogyoku in fine light reddish engraving.

In contrast to traditional iconography, this depiction of Daruma does not so much emphasise his abstemious and sullen-looking character, but does show him smiling almost coquettishly instead. Tempted by the lady to the front to all-too-human desires he seems to use one of the two himotoshi as a peephole.
Diameter 4.5 cm

Provenance

Estate of Günter Kauth (1946-2016), Frankfurt am Main