[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 494: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/feed.php on line 182: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3903) [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/feed.php on line 183: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3903) netsuke and sagemono loungeInternational Netsuke Society - Bringing netsuke to the digital generation...2019-05-14T15:35:41http://79.170.40.239/netsuke.org/forums/feed.php?f=13339&t=80806652019-05-14T15:35:412019-05-14T15:35:41http://79.170.40.239/netsuke.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8080665&p=79494#p79494<![CDATA[Re: Netsuke with Calligraphy - Translation? Authenticity?]]>
]]>2019-05-14T11:57:232019-05-14T11:57:23http://79.170.40.239/netsuke.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8080665&p=79493#p79493<![CDATA[Re: Netsuke with Calligraphy - Translation? Authenticity?]]> There are a couple of faint lines on my piece - for example, on the top left of the sotoba above the calligraphy. In person, this line is more noticeable due to the sheen and polish on the piece. To me it looks like it could possibly be a fold in resin, which could occur if the resin begins to set before it is fully poured.
In the technique of casting an object, undercuts in the source object are a problem that inhibits removal of the mold without damaging the casting. So I assume the resin is cast as a basic shape with few undercuts, then carved after it hardens. Is this correct? Otherwise, there would be no way to cast this shape. The mold would have to be a flexible material, such as silicone, rubber or latex to remove it without damage.
I don't have any way to see Jay Hopkin's book, which is prohibitively expensive for me on my fixed retirement income. But I did look at a number of other articles here and on the web about antler as a netsuke material.
Sam
]]>2019-05-12T16:39:102019-05-12T16:39:10http://79.170.40.239/netsuke.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8080665&p=79482#p79482<![CDATA[Re: Netsuke with Calligraphy - Translation? Authenticity?]]>Sadly, I agree with Dave that this is a resin modern production as evidenced by the file marks on the bottom and small pock marks from air bubbles which prevent complete filling of the mold.
]]>2019-05-12T14:07:542019-05-12T14:07:54http://79.170.40.239/netsuke.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8080665&p=79481#p79481<![CDATA[Re: Netsuke with Calligraphy - Translation? Authenticity?]]> Lotus Sutra led me to the origins of Tendai Buddhism founded by Saicho (767–822) in Japan, and Nichiren Buddhism, a controversial revisionist sect. Nichiren, was a 13th-century Japanese Buddhist monk who while banished and exiled, inscribed the famous paper mandala with the same Lotus Sutra calligraphy as my netsuke:
I read about the history of Kanji, which would take a lifetime to learn! I found a number of 19th century ivory netsuke pieces on the web signed by Gyoku, including . Thinking about possible authenticity of my piece, I tried to find what the actual signature marks look like but most others that contain the name Gyoku also contain another word/name/modifier, such as Gyokuseki, Gyokuzan, Gyoku-Unsai, Gyoku-hō-sai, or . Where I can see the signatures, they seem more refined and delicate than mine and .
Some mention that Gyotu the artist is listed on p. 423 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. The book costs hundreds to thousands, so needless to say I can’t have a look.
Seeing what the real Sotoba look like via google image search, and seeing how they are used adds so much meaning and context to my netsuke too. So helpful!
Most all of the Gyotu pieces I found on the web are ivory. So if mine is authentic, by some cruel irony (or karma?) I wouldn't be able to sell it here in the USA unfortunately. But honestly, I can’t imagine it would be. More likely a collectible brought back during the World War II era. But I still can't tell what the material it is. I could be ivory - it seems heavy and cool. But I'm afraid to do a needle test to see if it melts.
So whether or not I have anything of monetary value here, I certainly have learned a lot so far and it's valuable to me! Thank you again, Dave and chonchon!
]]>2019-05-11T22:58:012019-05-11T22:56:37http://79.170.40.239/netsuke.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8080665&p=79475#p79475<![CDATA[Re: Netsuke with Calligraphy - Translation? Authenticity?]]>It is written on what they call a ‘Sotoba’ (originally from the word Stupa) which is a wooden grave marker, (somewhat like a headstone in a churchyard). Oh, and Yurei traditionally have no lower legs or feet.
]]>2019-05-11T22:08:382019-05-11T22:08:38http://79.170.40.239/netsuke.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8080665&p=79474#p79474<![CDATA[Re: Netsuke with Calligraphy - Translation? Authenticity?]]> Sam
]]>2019-05-11T21:59:292019-05-11T21:59:29http://79.170.40.239/netsuke.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8080665&p=79473#p79473<![CDATA[Re: Netsuke with Calligraphy - Translation? Authenticity?]]> Sam
]]>2019-05-11T21:23:002019-05-11T21:19:06http://79.170.40.239/netsuke.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8080665&p=79471#p79471<![CDATA[Re: Netsuke with Calligraphy - Translation? Authenticity?]]> This is a Buddhist chant. Interesting netsuke but may be resin. The kanji on the bottom reads 'Gyoku', whoever that might be.
Dave
]]>2019-05-11T18:20:292019-05-11T18:20:29http://79.170.40.239/netsuke.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8080665&p=79467#p79467<![CDATA[Netsuke with Calligraphy - Translation? Authenticity?]]> I've come across what appears to be Yurei Netsuke found in a box of inherited collectibles I've had packed up for over 30 years. Can anyone help identify a possible origin, age, authenticity? I'm not a collector and I can't tell if it's tusk, bone, resin, plastic or what the material is.
Wikipedia lists physical characteristics for ghosts featured in the Edo period that seem to match this piece, particularly the "hands hanging limply from the wrists". .
To me, the ghost character looks similar this Yurei by Toyokuni: .
I've looked on the web extensively and haven't seen any other netsuke with calligraphy, which makes me wonder if it's a tourist trinket. Can anyone translate the writing? Knowing what it says might help identify its origin/authenticity. I can't figure out what the thing the writing is on is supposed to represent either. Ideas anyone?
It is approximately 2-1/4 inches (3.2 cm) tall. I've attached pictures.