明治期鯨歯彫根付—大鯛を押さえつける恵比寿

説明

恵比寿本来の神格は、人々の前にときたま現れる外来物に対する信仰であり、海の向こうからやってくる海神である。神格化された漁業の神としてクジラのこと。古くは勇魚（いさな）ともいい、クジラを含む大きな魚全般をさした。

主に漂着したクジラを指して（流れ鯨・座礁鯨）、「寄り神」と呼ぶことがある。「鯨 寄れば 七浦潤す」など、日本各地にはクジラの到来により思わぬ副収入を得たり飢饉から救われたりといった伝承が多い、これらの民俗信仰は、えびすの本来の性格を示すと考えられる。

参考：日本の根付第一図版（第3-4図），佐々木忠次郎著，光融館書店昭和11（1936）年刊

Rare whale tooth Netsuke of Ebisu

MEJI period (late 19th century)

unsigned

Iwami school

5×3.5×2.5cm（LHD）

Heavy 21g

Extremely good condition.

Provenance: French private collection.

The expression of Ebisu, which is full of joy, is a very bold, humorous and unusual composition. Whaling was extremely dangerous work in the Edo period, and crafts using whale teeth are quite rare.

Seven Lucky Gods are seven deities that are Jurojin, Ebisu, Hotei, Benzaiten, Bishamonten, Daikokuten and Fukurokuju. It is said if you worship all seven deities, you will be blessed with seven happiness and prevent seven misfortunes.

Netsuke made from sperm whale tooth (cabochon) are incredibly rare and unique in their appearance. The material is very smooth, and almost white with a yellowish hue and many inclusions.

This work has the beautiful glossiness by characteristic of whale tooth. The whale tooth is very hard, and it’s need the high technique of carving.

Whale’s tooth: The sperm whale has teeth running the whole length of its enormous lower jaw. Those in the middle tend to be the largest, often obtaining a length of more than six to eight inches.a large tooth could be used to produce several netsuke.

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