Circa 1850-1880
 
The netsuke is delicately carved, showing two pigeons that just landed on green algae-covered rocks surrounded by the dark black sea.
 
L. 4 x W. 3.1 cm
 
Provenance:
Amsterdam antiques trade, 1990s
Private collection, the Netherlands
 
The artist cleverly used the malachite to resemble bright green algae found on rocks along the Japanese coast. The black sea swirling around the incredibly delicately carved birds - each with its own expression - seated on the rocks gives the netsuke a certain eeriness.
 
It is tempting to contemplate the meaning of the different elements in this netsuke. Pigeons on sea rocks may seem a strange choice by the artist, but the Japanese Green Pigeon is known to fly many kilometres to the rocky coast to drink salt water. The hato or pigeon is not often seen in Japanese art. However, it is one of the few birds that care for their elderly parents and is therefore associated with parental love and protection. Many temples throughout Japan hold dovecotes to exhort visitation, honour old age, and care for the elderly. Algae, thriving in the harsh sea conditions, symbolize resilience and the ability to adapt and survive in challenging environments. Therefore, this netsuke might symbolize the power of parental love, whatever the conditions are.
 
Fuld lists only 33 netsuke with malachite, of which three are by Jugyoku. This netsuke would make the amount 34, so using the mineral can be considered rare.
 
In the collection of the Hermitage Museum a snail on a gourd by Jugyoku can be found, considered a masterpiece. One can compare the softness of the birds in the present netsuke with that of the snail.