A large boar-tusk netsuke with a centipede and sutraBy Seiyodo Bunshojo (1764-1838), Iwami Province, early 19th century
The tusk of pronounced curvature, carved in relief with a long centipede, the long sutra text in almost illegible script; signed . . . Seiyodo Bunshojo kinkoku (respectively carved by Seiyodo Bunshojo . . .) with an unread seal. 12.4cm (4 7/8in).注脚猪牙彫根付　蜈蚣と般若心経　銘 「囗囗囗青陽堂文章女謹刻」　19世紀前期

Published:
Rokusho 20, p.28, no.32.
Earle, Huthart, p.103, no.84.

The inscription is very worn and only partly legible, but comparisons with printed versions confirm the identification of the text as the Hannya shingyo sutra, a short Chinese text of 262 characters which was transmitted to Japan in the eighth century. For a similar example, see G. Lazarnick, NIA, p.315, where the printed text is illustrated.