A MONUMENTAL TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A KIRIN Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A very large ivory netsuke depicting a Kirin, derived from the Chinese mythical beast Qilin, one of the four divine creatures, the others being the dragon, phoenix and turtle. The Japanese Kirin is something of wild mythical fantasy – its most characteristic feature is of course the horn, as it is also called the Japanese unicorn. It has four legs with hooves and the hindlegs are covered with very well-expressed fatty tissue, like that of a Shishi. The bushy and curly tail is also very similar to a Shishi’s, however the end section of the tail is trifurcated and goes all the way up the Kirin’s back and even touches its horn. The rest of the body is covered in dense plumage, like that of a phoenix. A powerful and accomplished carving with a vivid expression enhanced by inlaid eyes of dark horn. Natural himotoshi through the legs. HEIGHT 10.3 cm Provenance: British private collection. Condition: A small section by the belly has been plugged and the surface has been slightly re-stained. Some smaller expected age cracks, generally in good condition.