Contempory Netsuke. Miriam Kinsey

and is represented throughout Japanese art with a great variety of symbolic and legendary associations. Sosui's love of animals, and nothing more, seems to be conveyed by his simple figure of a horse being groomed by an attendant. (Enlargement: 1.9 times)

      25. WHITE INARI FOX. Ivorv. Signed: Keiun. Date: 1965-70. Every local community in Japan has a shrine dedicated to the harvest god Inari. In front of most Inari shrines are the images of a pair of foxes regarded as messengers of the god. The beneficent white Inari fox, portrayed in this classic design by Keiun, is to be sharply distinguished from the evil field foxes and demoniac foxes often encountered in Japanese legends. (Enlargement: 1.5 times)

      26. RABBIT. Ivory, Signed: Kangyoku. Date: 1971. This engaging rabbit netsuke was conceived by Kangyoku in a mood of free fantasy. It is a masterpiece of design and execution. The carving and finishing of the ivory have produced beauty and satisiying tactile qualities. The design is original and daring and has strong appeal, except to the most conservative traditionalists. (Enlargement: 1.4 times)

      27. SHISHI. Ivory. Signed: Kangyoku. Date: 1971. This carving is Kangyoku's first excursion into the realm of the abstract. It proved to be eminently successful. The subject matter and functional form of the netsuke are completely orthodox, but the design is modern. Many netsuke collectors have been surprised but delighted with the bold, imaginative design of this shishi. (Enlargement:1.5 times)