Netsuke artists employed various techniques to produce a wide range of designs, effects, and surface textures. Anabori is a technique that goes well beyond a material’s surface. Ana means hole, cavern, or cave, and bori means carving. Anabori-type netsuke have deeply recessed interior carving, such as seen here in this tiny rendition of Mount Hōrai (Isle of the Immortals). The artist used the finest quality ivory of uniform bright white color and dense composition; the tight grain held the crisp edge of each cut, enabling him to carve very intricate details. Within this piece of ivory is a mountainous scene with trees scattered throughout and wisps of clouds. A long, winding bridge leads to a tall pavilion, where a person stands at a balcony overlooking the scene. Two individuals cross another bridge in the right foreground. Enveloped in clouds, the overall carving takes the form of the Buddhist Jewel of Wisdom (J. hōju or hōju-no-tama), which is typically represented as a sphere with a pointed top. Referred to as the sacred wish-fulfilling jewel or pearl, it is said to grant wishes and to bestow good health and prosperity. In Buddhism, it is a symbol of spiritual wealth.
Mount Hōrai is a legendary island off the coast of China inhabited by immortals along with other creatures and plants emblematic of longevity, including tortoises, cranes, stags, pine, peach, plum, and mushrooms. Long an auspicious symbol in Japan, Mount Hōrai was a favorite subject of Edo-period (1615−1868) painters (see M.88.186).
2024
