Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Hankai (Chinese: Fan Kuai, died around 200 B.C.), one of the first followers of the Han Dynasty and minister of the emperor Kan no Koso, storms forward with a flying full beard and a door held in both hands, which is decorated with a grimace. The legend describes how Hankai prevented an assassination attempt on the emperor by Gao Yu during a feast. When Hankai heard about the planned attack, he kicked the hall door in and stormed the room with a door leaf under his arm. Afterwards he enabled the emperor to escape by a trick. The stag antler netsuke bearing a fine patina, plugged to the top, and with himotoshi to the back.HEIGHT 5.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and ‘natural flaws’ to the material.Provenance: German private collection.