Monkey, seated, palms upwards, black eyes

Monkeys are a popular theme in Netsuke art. The previous home of this slightly worried looking, black eyed creature was in the seaside city of Kamakura. This was the capital of olden times, now still beautiful with her forested hills, the Zen monasteries and of course, the sea. It is home to the world-famous large Buddha, covered for seven hundred years by no other roof than the open sky.

Kamakura's streets are worth exploring. I discovered this particular shop, which was crammed full of interesting antiques of all kinds. Two Chinese men were negotiating with the elderly shop owner over some antique ivory art in an aggressive bargaining style, not usually seen in Japan. These days, many rich Chinese roam the country in the search of old ivory and art to bring back home to a fast growing and seemingly insatiable home market.

Whilst they were bargaining, I noted the unease in the shop owner's face and quietly got hold of this also worried looking little ivory monkey. The carved animal, somewhat bewildered and distracted, holds up its palms in a 'What have I done wrong?' gesture. Clutching this little worried monkey and as well as an Edo period wooden tiger (so far, still not up for sale), I waited for the Chinese to leave and then paid for my finds. The ivory of this Netsuke has a pleasing luster over shoulders, arms and legs, the monkey fitting comfortably in the triangle between index, middle finger and thumb. His face peers upwards, out of my hand, as if to ask you for forgiveness.

DB