Williams Gallery West Collectibles - William Oates Jeffery Collection - Ivory Netsuke - Sarumawashi

The William Oates Jeffery Collection - Netsuke, Ojime, and other Ivory Objects
	Japanese Antique Ivory Netsuke Man with Monkey ( Sarumawashi ) 19th century AD SOLD dimensions: 1 1/2" high x 1 3/8" wide x 7/8" deep
	19th century stained elephant ivory Netsuke depicting a seated monkey trainer and monkey. Nicely carved with fine surface detail. Trainer wears a kimono with a hooded outer wrap fastened at the neck like a cloak. Both figures are decorated on the arms and back with geometric designs. Both figures engage the viewer, while the monkey leans affectionately on its master's shoulder, accenting the relationship between human and simian. Carving is skilled, with subtle details and well defined facial features.
	Signed Artist Unknown. Possibly Shinsai or Shinsei. Excellent Condition. Dark pigment on eyes and eye brows. Mellow, satisfying patina. ;)
	Unlike the Western concept of monkeys as fools, monkeys are a symbol of wisdom in Japan. Sarumawashi is the Japanese word for monkey trainer. the word is formed from words saru (monkey) and mawashi (trainer), and is sometimes written as Saru Mawashi. Sarumawashi are street performers who make a living by entertaining people with their trained monkeys. Saru Mawashi still exist in Japan today, making a living in markets and other crowded places with their performing monkey. Saru Mawashi performances are even shown on Japanese Television.
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