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Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Netsuke and Related: Pre 1900: Item # 1458138

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Dmitry Levit Asian Art
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3 Highland Park
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-875-8154

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Unusual 19th century wooden netsuke carved as a Buddhist monk (recognizable by its shaved head) fast asleep, lower half of its body inside a huge Buddhist gong. The subject is a metaphor for a failure to reach enlightenment - instead of seeking and understanding the profound power of the gong’s message, the monk uses it as a sleeping pad. Rare, possibly unique treatment of the subject - usually the gong is small and is used as a pillow by a monk. Wonderful carving, great depiction of dragons contesting the Precious Gem, material looks like kurogaki (black persimmon wood), traces of red lacquer, excellent wear and patina. Length 1 3/4 inches.