Fight of two Samurais

In this work, I aimed to capture the very essence of the samurai spirit—honor and uncompromising combat. The netsuke is executed in the disc-form Manjū style, using the highly complex technique of two-layer openwork carving (akin to Ikusa Manjū), where two distinct scenes unfold across different planes.
​One side captures the climax of the duel between two warriors, their blades locked in mid-air. On the opposing side is the figure of the judge, who observes the combat with perfect composure. Through the openwork carving, these two scenes are visually unified: the judge appears to watch the battle through the tree branches, emphasizing the eternal Japanese art principle: calmness amidst chaos.
​​I utilized the contrast between the light color mammoth tusk and the complex, multi-layered coloring to ensure maximum readability and better visual perception of the intricate scene. The sculpture is toned with walnut ink and the natural dye Yashabushi. Armor, helmets, and clothing are highlighted with Seshime– and Rose-Urushi, which lends dramatic depth to the scene. The cord loop (himotoshi) is skillfully integrated into the composition.
​Materials: Mammoth tusk, Yashabushi, walnut ink, Urushi lacquers.
Size: 2 inches across, ½ inch thick.
2008. UK, private collection.