"variety of pursuits"

[Davis]

I acquired this years ago and still don't have a clue what the pursuits are, random carvings of everyday life or is there a story being told? Anyone have any ideas?

[Bugyotsuji]

Guessing it's a 'michi-no-eki' rest stop for a smoke, have a bento, with change of kago porters perhaps, with locals selling their wares, on one of the old paths, such as the Tokaido.

 

PS No need to worry about ivory. These are probably stag antler.

[ROKUJURO]

.....and probably not a dagger, unless it has a sharp backside. Usually, blades in mounts like this are not good quality. 

[Davis]

Thanks Piers, I thought you might provide the answer.  I agree with you both, even at a quick glance, staghorn. Interestingly this was at a sale of "Oriental Works of Art" at a very good auction house

[Bugyotsuji]

Yes, the value of these is usually in the Koshiraé as opposed to the blade inside.

By the way, the portable chest/box with Mon may point to a Sankin Kōtai procession to or from Edo.

[Davis]

Thanks, pins it down even more.  Agree with remarks re blade quality. What puzzled me was the description of this lot which was in a specialised sale. Dagger, not sure whether bone or ivory, staghorn not considered.  These are some damaged ivory and a small bone section that I have.  They were of very little value but are now virtually worthless following the recent legislation.  I think some skill was needed to put the character into the little mans face, two inches tall. 

[Bugyotsuji]

Yes, real talent there. Davis, is there a Mei under the chap kneeling on the left? He is quite similar to something I have.

[Davis]

There is Piers, although I can't read it, perhaps you can help again?  I'll try and get a decent photo.

[Davis]

I just can't get a good picture today.  I've tried to read it but can't.  If possible Piers could you Romanize it as I have some books listing artists in that way.

[Bugyotsuji]

Yes, beautifully written, Seikō, I reckon. 静孝

 

The MCI lists this artist under 'Shizutaka (Sei-ko)' with some notes suggesting 'Okawa school' etc., on p.739.

 

P.S. My figure which I thought looked similar is signed 静之 Seishi.  Perhaps then it could alternatively be read Shizuyuki...(?).

[Davis]

Thanks Piers.  On this subject, my books, like my knowledge are very rudimentary. The information you've provided is new to me and very welcome.  It would be interesting to see your carving.

[Bugyotsuji]

Here is the entry in the Meinertzhagen Card Index (MCI) on Netsuke in the Archives of the British Museum.

 

 

And here is mine, quite different but with some common stylistic elements I felt.

 

 

 

[Davis]

Two puzzles solved in less than a week.  I would never have found that information.  Thank you very much Piers.  Brilliant.