HOSHUNSAI MASAYUKI: A SUPERB STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A ZOOMORPHIC WINE VESSEL By Hoshunsai Masayuki, signed Masayuki Japan, Asakusa, Tokyo, second half of 19th century Published: Ducros, Alain (1987) Netsuke & Sagemono, p. 63. A Buddhistic ritual wine vessel, the pouring aperture in the form of a very unusual and strikingly bizarre ‘dragon head’, whimsical in its appearance and with delicately carved features. The horns of the creature emanate in two spiraling curls, similarly to the ornately crafted handle which appears to be the tail of the mythical creature. The vessel stands on four stubby legs and the center of the composition is carved on both sides with varying motifs in openwork, incredibly fragile but firmly in place – a testament to the unique hardness of the material. One side shows a very Chinese congregation of tendrils and vines, with a flower in the middle. Under closer inspection the flower appears to be in the shape of a stylized bird, a playful trait of the artist. The other side shows a starshaped openwork pattern housing the asymmetrical himotoshi. The vessel is surmounted by an elaborately crafted lid. The signature is found in seal form inside a square reserve MASAYUKI 正之. HEIGHT 4.1 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: Collection Alain Ducros, then French private collection. Though variants of this model exist, they are all unique in their appearance, differing in size, the expression of the ‘dragon head’ and the openworked central structure. The present netsuke seems to be slightly smaller and more delicate with a uniquely whimsical expression. There are four variants in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, Part 3, pp. 102-105, nos. 394-396. Another is in the current stock of reputed dealer Max Rutherston.