A RARE LARGE SHUZAN STYLE SAISHIKI NETSUKE OF BISHAMON TEN Style of Yoshimura Shuzan, unsigned Japan, Osaka, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Östasiatiska Museet (1999) Netsuke, p. 75. Exhibited: Östasiatiska Museet, Sweden, Stockholm, 16 October 1999 – 9 January 2000. Expressively carved saishiki (painted) hinoki wood netsuke depicting Bishamon Ten holding a pagoda-shaped shrine before him and wielding a large axe next to him, a sheathed dagger is attached to his side. The heavenly king of the north is shown thick-bearded and looking upwards to his left. His robe is carved very well, decorated with various pigments underneath a gesso layer, and shows fine flowing heavenly garlands. Himotoshi through the reverse. HEIGHT 10 cm Condition: Good, worn condition – appropriate for this type of netsuke. Provenance: Ex-collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman. Auction comparison: Compare to a related netsuke sold by Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2016, London, lot 236.