A TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF SEIOBO Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Östasiatiska Museet (1999) Netsuke, p. 23. Exhibited: Östasiatiska Museet, Sweden, Stockholm, 16 October 1999 –9 January 2000. The tall wood netsuke depicting Seiobo, the queen mother of the west, holding a finely carved fruiting peach branch before her. Her coat is inlaid with horn buttons, her sleeves are incised with scrolling patterns, and a large sun hat is carved on her back. Good, worn himotoshi through the side and backside. HEIGHT 10.3 cm Condition: Very good condition with expected surface wear. Provenance: Ex collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman. According to legend Seiobo lived in a nine-storey palace made from pure jade, surrounded by a garden where her magical peaches grew, which grant immortality to anyone who eats them.