Grasshopper

This piece captures one of the most beloved and poetic images of Japanese autumn.
​The Grasshopper (or, more broadly, the “singing cricket” like kirigirisu) is a primary herald of autumn in Japanese culture. Its melodic chirping in the cool of the evening is an essential part of the season, evoking a gentle melancholy and the feeling of “mono no aware“—the poignant beauty of transient things.
​These insects are a classic seasonal motif (kigo) in haiku poetry. Their songs symbolize the passage of time, the fading of summer, and the contemplative beauty of autumn nights, especially during moon-viewing (tsukimi). The grasshopper on this netsuke is therefore not just an insect, but a symbol of an entire season filled with poetry, reflection, and fleeting beauty.
​This is Maki-e; the grasshopper is done in low-relief Takamakie technique with Sumiko-Urushi and Ikkaki-Urush, gold reddish Keshifun and gold dull Marufun, Mother-of-pearls: Paua and Abalon. I used a piece of wood with defects (natural flaws); it is a very beautiful, imperfect surface under the mirror-smooth Urushi lacquer. The size of this Manju netsuke is 2 inches across, ½ inch thick.

2009. Russia, private collection.