An intricately detailed, deeply etched carving depicting the eccentric Buddhist monk Ji Gong. He is captured standing on one leg in a dynamic, tipsy stance while holding a teapot (wine vessel) to his lips. He wears patterned robes detailed with katabori style texturing and ink staining, a distinct monastic hat, and holds a traditional palm-leaf fan behind his shoulder. A playful dog leaps at his feet over a discarded wooden staff and a ceremonial bell (ghanta) The Signature: Located inside the rectangular cartouche at the bottom, the stylized kanji signature translates to Gyokuzan (玉山) or a closely related master carver of the Tokyo School. Gyokuzan was a renowned, prolific name utilized by expert carvers during the Meiji and Taisho periods who specialized in incredibly detailed legendary figures, deities, and genre scenes.
