An ivory netsuke of sumô-wrestlers. Mid-18th century - image-1

Lot 306 Rα

An ivory netsuke of sumô-wrestlers. Mid-18th century

Auction 1157 - overview Cologne
27.06.2020, 11:00 - Asian Art
Estimate: 800 € - 1.200 €
Result: 750 € (incl. premium)

An ivory netsuke of sumô-wrestlers. Mid-18th century

Possibly Jizô, dressed in a long billowing robe, grasping the opponent's (a nio, considering his chignon haistyle) belt (mawashi) while forcing his head down (sokubiotoshi). The rectangular base with a central hole might represent the ring (dôhyo) in which the bout takes place.
Height 3.7 cm; length 3.6 cm

As this depiction can be read as Jizô defeating his opponent with an expression of total control it alludes also to a competition between Buddhism and Shintoism and illustrates sovereign and indulgent behavior in situations of conflict.

Provenance

Karl-Ludwig Kley Collection