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

Lot 266 Dα

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

Auction 1036 - overview Cologne
14.06.2014, 10:00 - The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke I
Estimate: 300 € - 400 €
Result: 854 € (incl. premium)
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A wood netsuke of a fly whisk (hossu). 19th century.

The plume of the fly whisk arranged into an elegant loop to form a compact composition, the handle lacquered red.
Length 5.4 cm

Hossu are one of the emblems of a high-ranking Buddhist priest, particularly those of the Zen sect. It 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.