SEIHOSAI MEIKEI: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF KURONOSUKE AND OYURA By Seihosai Meikei (born 1932), signed Meikei Japan, Tokyo, c. 1980 Published: Temple, Charles R.: Seihosai Meikei. In: Journal of the International Netsuke Collectors Society, Vol. 12, no. 3, December 1984, p. 32, fig. 14. A superbly carved ivory netsuke conveying the movement of the composition masterfully. Depicted is Oyura being lifted and held tightly by Oishi Kuronosuke, the leader of the 47 Ronin and her unwanted suitor, who refuses to let her go as she spurns his advances. Oyura’s kimono is intricately engraved with an asanoha pattern and Oishi’s shows his family crest. Himotoshi and signature MEIKEI 明恵 to the reverse. HEIGHT 5.1 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: Ex collection Elly Nordskog, purchased from Sydney Moss Ltd. by the present owner. (This lot is accompanied by a copy of the invoice from Sydney Moss Ltd.) Oyura was the mistress of the villainous Lord Kira in the story of the 47 Ronin. The present netsuke is carved after a netsuke by the contemporary master Ryo. The original is illustrated in an article on him by Rolf Schmoll and Francois Storno in the Journal of the International Netsuke Collectors Society, Vol. 15, p. 35, fig.7. Seihosai Meikei, born 1932 in Tokyo, was a fine creator of netsuke bursting with energy and force. His versatility becomes particularly evident when viewing the netsuke he carved after antique masterpieces (Journal of the International Netsuke Collectors Society, Vol. 12, no.3, pp. 36f.).