Bushell Netsuke Collection: Fantastic Animals and Mythical Beings

 

February 28 – June 10, 2008

 

 

Eisai  Japan, active 19^th century

Demon Soliciting Alms    Mixed-metal disk; ivory bowl; kagamibuta type     1 15/16 x 11/16 in. (4.9 x 1.7 cm)

LACMA, Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection    Photo © 2008 Museum Associates/LACMA

 

Animals of all kinds play an important role in Japanese art. Rats, tigers, and boars of the zodiac, household pets such as cats and dogs, and beasts from foreign lands are all found as subjects in netsuke.

 

Some carvers went beyond the natural world, choosing animals from Japanese legends, myths, and folklore. In netsuke, bizarre, fanciful, and at times frightful animals and figures abound.

 

Some of these creatures are of Chinese origin such as the Chinese lion and kirin. Religious beings such as Daruma, the patriarch of Buddhism, various sennin (immortals), and winged angel-like creatures appear in netsuke from the 18^th century to the present.

 

However menacing some of these creatures may appear, many were in fact benevolent, offering protection or good fortune. Other creatures are purely imaginary, the products of the creative minds and skillful hands of carvers like the contemporary netsuke masters Masatoshi and Shoko.

 

Pavilion for Japanese Art

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Museum hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 12 noon – 8 pm

Friday 12 noon – 9 pm   Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 8 pm  

Closed Wednesdays                        

For further information about Japanese art exhibitions at LACMA, please call (323) 857-6565