GYOKUSEN TOMOCHIKA: A RARE AND POWERFUL KUROGAKI WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI By Gyokusen Tomochika, signed Tomochika 友近 and kakihan Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The grim-faced demon queller standing with one foot raised, lifting the hem of his robe, his sword drawn, the scabbard visible in the back. The loose robe is very finely carved, powerfully accentuated in the folds. Large, asymmetrical, and generously excavated himotoshi through the back, next to the signature TOMOCHIKA and kakihan. HEIGHT 6.5 cm Condition: Overall good condition with traces of use and wear. The beard likely with an old chip and the edge of one foot with an old restoration. Provenance: The Papp collection no. 813. Purchased from Ohmura, Hamburg. Gyokusen Tomochika was a pupil of Tomotada, but moved later from Kyoto to Edo (unlike Chikuyosai Tomochika who moved from Edo to Kyoto). Meinertzhagen notes (MCI, p. 893): “Hiokusen Tomochika was an artist of exceptional ability whose work has not received the attention from collectors it deserves.” Auction comparison: Another figure of Shoki by this rare artist was sold by Sotheby's, 7 July 1999, The Floyd Segel collection of Netsuke, Chicago, lot 109.