Baku Masterpiece

ANTIQUE JAPANESE NETSUKE

A magnificent large ivory model of a seated Baku, the head and trunk raised with the right front leg bent and pressed against the chest in an unusual pose . The mouth slightly open exposing teeth, the whiskers under the chin curling whorls, a large bushy tail that reaches to the mane at the back of the neck.

The striking appearance and form of this Seated Baku, is very much in the style and reminiscent of the most famous of all Seated Baku, signed by Gechu. dated to the 18th Century . Sold at Sotheby's London Auction on the 17 June 1987.

* This impressive unsigned Seated Baku is believed to have been carved sometime in the Meiji Period, emulating the style of Gechu.*

A Magnificent Masterpiece


Unsigned Himotoshi: side - under
Weight about : 76 grams
Height about : 8.6cm
Width about : 4.4cm
Depth about: 3.9cm.

Condition: Very good, rubbing,
Refer Large Images for details and condition

Depending on your computer monitor / phone / etc colour may vary to actual.

A$10,000

Despite their monstrous appearance, Baku are revered as powerful forces of good, and as one of the holy protectors of mankind. Watching over humans and acting as a guardian spirits. They feed on the dreams of humans – specifically bad dreams. Evil spirits and yokai fear baku and flee from them, avoiding areas inhabited by them. Health and good luck follow a Baku wherever it goes.
The Baku’s written name and image have been used as symbols of good luck in talismans and charms throughout Japanese history. In the old days it was even common to embroider the kanji character for Baku onto pillows in order to keep bad dreams, sickness, and evil spirits away. Fearsome Baku images are commonly carved into the pillars above temple doors and on the columns supporting temple roofs. It is one of only a handful of holy creatures frequently honoured in this manner.
Legend has it that when the world was new and the gods were making the animals, the Baku was put together from the leftover bits and pieces at the end of creation.