Netsuke in the form of a rabbit c. 1790 - 1800

This ivory netsuke, carved by Ranichi, takes the form of a rabbit, a creature steeped in symbolism across cultures. In East Asia, the rabbit is often associated with the moon and immortality. The Jade Rabbit of Chinese folklore, for example, is a lunar companion, grinding the elixir of life. But, observe how this serene image contrasts with the rabbit’s earlier, more primal associations. In European traditions, the rabbit, or hare, was a symbol of fertility, tied to the cyclical nature of life and rebirth. Yet, this emblem of vitality could also carry a darker resonance. Consider the medieval belief in the hare as a witch's familiar, a creature of the night, embodying hidden, often feared, powers. The rabbit's image, oscillating between innocence and menace, lunar mysticism and earthly vitality, reminds us that symbols never truly fade. Instead, they transform, reflecting our ever-evolving understanding of the world. This netsuke, a seemingly simple carving, encapsulates a profound and continuous dialogue between humanity and the symbols we create.