JUGYOKU I: A RARE AND SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI WITH A BAG OF ONI By Ryukosai Jugyoku I, signed Rokuju nana sai Jugyoku 寿玉 saku Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The grim-looking demon hunter seated with a large bag filled with oni slung over his back. Two oni have already torn a hole through the bag and are peeking out, delightedly grimacing. Unbeknownst to the ill-fated Shoki they are about to make their great escape. The dark cherry wood bearing a stunning patina. Good, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath, the larger one generously excavated to accommodate the knot. Signed underneath the bag Rokuju nana sai JUGYOKU saku [made by Jugyoku at the age of sixty-seven]. A rare wood netsuke by Ryukosai Jugyoku I, of whom only a small number of netsuke can be confidently attributed to. The netsuke is of unusually large size, particularly when comparing the subsequent carvings of this model by Jugyoku II and Ryukei II. The present piece most likely is the archetype of these later and highly sought-after carvings. LENGTH 4.8 cm Condition: Both feet with restored edges, otherwise fine condition with a pleasingly worn patina and age-related surface wear. Provenance: Old French collection Jules Cherki. Literature comparison: For a similar example see Barker & Smith (1976), Netsuke: The Miniature Sculpture of Japan, p.72, no. 109. Located in the British Museum, accession no. F.819. Auction comparison: A later and smaller version of this netsuke was sold at Van Ham, Asiatische Kunst, 7 December 2017, Cologne, lot 2289 (sold for 5,547 EUR).