Bushell Netsuke Collection: Animalia

June 7, 2007 – September 11, 2007

Ishikawa Rensai

Japan, born c. 1832, active mid-late 19th century

Lotus, Frog, and Bird

Ivory with staining, inlays; ryūsa type

1 9/16 x 1 3/4 x 5/8 in. (3.9 x 4.4 x 1.6 cm)

LACMA, Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection

Photo © 2007 Museum Associates/LACMA

   Animals have always been extremely popular subjects in netsuke. Those paired with immortal figures took on religious significance. Zodiac animals were treated singly or as a group of twelve (junishi).

  Some animals had symbolic meaning and were thought to bestow good fortune while others were blamed for such disasters as floods or earthquakes.

  Through the 18th and 19th centuries stylistic treatments and carving techniques changed their appearance but throughout the history of netsuke traditional animal themes continued.

  In the 19th century, with the opening of Japan to Western influences, hitherto unknown creatures entered the Japanese netsuke carvers’ repertoire.