The #Museum of #EastAsian #Art in Cologne is currently celebrating the 60-year partnership between #Cologne and #Kyōto, showcasing an extraordinary selection of #netsuke (small carved figures, designed to attach to an #inrō, a small medicine box). The exhibition is running until April 1, 2024 and is just as worth seeing as the rest of the museum 
https://www.fabriziomusacchio.com/blog/2024-01-01-kyoto_netsuke/
Howling #kirin (mythical creature, aka the "Chinese #unicorn")
If you any information about it, please feel free to leave a comment below ^^To compare #Japanese #netsuke with European #ivory carvings, I have put together some examples of #Christian ivory carvings from my photo archive:
https://www.fabriziomusacchio.com/blog/2024-01-15-christian_ivory_carvings/
#Hibiscus by Maruyama Okyo (left, hanging scroll (#kakemono), color on silk, dated 1772, #Japan) and #Carp by Itō Jakuchu (right, kakemono, ink on paper, late 18th century, Japan). According to a Chinese legend, only the strongest carp that manage to overcome a waterfall turn into a #dragon. Seen at the Museum for #EastAsian Art in #Cologne.
kō, tenjō, and myō. #Calligraphy by Inoue Yūichi (1916-1985). Ink on paper, #Japan, beginning of 1960s. Seen at the Museum for #EastAsian Art in #Cologne.
From left to right: kō, the Confucian virtue of filial piety, tenjō, what is above heaven, and myō, mystery or secret.
Plum blossom. #Calligraphy by Inoue Yūichi (1916-1985). Ink on paper, #Japan, 1966. Seen at the Museum for #EastAsian Art in #Cologne.
Aizen myōō, hanging scroll (#kakemono), ink, colors, gold on silk, #Japan, late #Kamakura period, 13th- early 14th century. Seen at the Museum for #EastAsian Art in #Cologne.
The favorite disciples of the #Buddha: Young #Ananda and old #Kashyapa. They count among the closest followers of the historical Buddha. Bronze, cast, gilt, China, Ming dynasty, Chongzhen period (1628-44). Seen at the Museum for #EastAsian Art in #Cologne.
@pixeltracker
The other day I went to the Netsuke Museum. It is a Japanese-style building with few visitors, so you can view the exhibits in a relaxed atmosphere.
@741CE Awesome! Thanks for sharing 
Very interesting exhibit. I am fascinated by netsuke. Artistically of course the skill is incredible, but there ethical issues of artifacts in ivory. It's hard to come to terms.
Your pictures are beautiful. What camera do you use?
@raindrops_and_roses I completely agree with that. And thank you. I’m using a Fuji X100V.
@pixeltracker You're very talented at museum photography.