Fighting Roosters

In this work, I turned to the art of Katsushika Hokusai, embodying the dynamic tension of his “Fighting Roosters” woodblock print in the form of a Ryūsa netsuke. This scene, carved from beige mammoth tusk (5 cm across, 2 cm thick), is dedicated not just to a fight, but to the deep symbolism carried by Roosters—powerful signs of courage, pride, and strength in Japanese culture.
​The greatest challenge was recreating volume and motion within the disc’s confined space, alongside the filigree detailing of the plumage. I used walnut ink to deepen the relief, and then each individual feather and strand of hair was meticulously carved using a chisel.
​The Roosters’ eyes, inlaid with gold and amber, reflect focused fury and intensity. The Ryūsa openwork carving allows light to play across the surfaces, highlighting the composition’s dynamics while preserving the netsuke’s elegance.
​Mammoth tusk, walnut ink, gold and amber inlay.
Size: 5 cm across, 2 cm thick.

2006 UK, private collection.