Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono

AUCTION JUNE, 2ND 2018 49 YEARS ZACKE GALLERY

AUCTION Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono

THE NEW AUCTION ROOM

Saturday, June 2nd 2018 at 2pm CET CATALOG NE0618

HOW TO FIND US ON MARIAHILFERSTRASSE:

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: VIEWING 2-3 minutes from the U3 station ZIEGLERGASSE www.zacke.at 3-5 minutes from the U3/U6 station WESTBAHNHOF BY CAR: IN OUR GALLERY Best route: take the Gürtel to the Westbahnhof and turn onto st st Mariahilferstraße; house number May 21 - June 1 112 is just after the Kaiserstraße. Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm Access is possible by car, with loading June 2nd 10am - 2pm and unloading all dayas well as short term parking. and by appointment

Multiple underground garages directly nearby

ADDRESS: Mariahilferstr. 112 1070 Vienna STAIRCASE 1, GALERIE ZACKE 2nd FLOOR (ELEVATOR) MARIAHILFERSTRASSE 112

German descriptions and further images of all lots at: www.zacke.at 1070 VIENNA AUSTRIA

Tel +43 1 532 04 52 Fax +20 E-mail offi[email protected]

1 IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABSENTEE BIDDING FORM (According to the general terms and conditions of business Gallery Zacke Vienna) FOR THE AUCTION FINE NETSUKE, SAGEMONO & OKIMONO NE0618 ON DATE Saturday, June 2ND, 2018 at 2 pm CET

NO. TITLE BID IN EURO

PLEASE RAISE MY PURCHASE BID BY ONE PLEASE CALL ME IF THERE IS ALREADY A HIGHER WRITTEN BID BID STEP (APPROX. 10%) IF NECESSARY TEL

Notice: All bids are to be understood plus buyer`s premium (incl. VAT).

If you like to bid by telephone please write in the column purchase limit „ TEL” . A bid by telephone shall automatically represent a bid at the starting price for this item. If Galerie Zacke cannot reach the Client during the auction, Galerie Zacke will bid up to the starting price for him. If no one else bids on the corresponding good, then the Client shall automatically receive the winning bid at the starting price. TERMS OF PAYMENT, SHIPPING AND COLLECTION:

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With the signature on this form the client declares his consent to aforementioned commissioning of Galerie Zacke. Bids by telephone shall be governed by the AGB (terms and conditions) of Galerie Zacke. The AGB of Galerie Zacke are part of the commissioning of Galerie Zacke by the client. The client agrees with his signature ADDRESS that he has taken note of the AGB (terms and conditions) of Galerie Zacke and that he agrees with them. POSTCODE & CITY DATE & SIGNATURE

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CASH ON DELIVERY (MAILING) UP TO DEBIT OF CREDIT CARD PLEASE MARK THE DESIRED CARD WITH A CROSS: A VALUE OF 350 ONLY AMEX DINERS MASTERCARD VISA CUSTOMER COLLECTION PAYMENT ON SITE AND IN CASH, BY CHEQUE OR CREDIT NAME CARD

INVOICE PAYMENT UPON RECEIPT OF IN- CARD NUMBER VOICE - SHIPPING UPON RECEIPT OF PAY- MENT EXPIRY DATE

EXPRESS PARCEL SERVICE REQUIRED

TRANSPORT INSURANCE: PLEASE TAKE OUT A TRANSPORT INSURANCE POLICY FOR THE ITEMS I HAVE BOUGHT PURSUANT TO German descriptions and further images of all lots at: www.zacke.at THE TERMS CONCERNING THE "SHIPPING AND TRANSPORT INSURANCE"

Galerie Zacke Mariahilferstr. 112, 1070 Vienna For your information: Email [email protected] At its auctions, the Galerie Zacke offers exclusively third-party contributions for sale on commission. We would like to draw your attention to the fact that, in case of any Tel +43-1-532 04 52 complaints arising from a purchase, these have to be reported to us within 6 weeks Fax +43-1-532 04 5220 after the receipt of the item.

2 3 Terms of Auction - www.zacke.at

§ 1) The auction shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the rules of procedure of checked prior to the auction. These items are used. Any claims for damages exceeding the liability The Richness and Magic of Netsuke GALLERY ZACKE, MARIAHILFERSTR. 112, 1070 VIENNA (hereinafter referred to as the company) as named above and resulting from other material defects or other defects of the item shall be well as in accordance with sections 244-246 of the Gewerbeordnung [Industrial Code] 1994. The excluded. When making the bid, the bidder confirms that it has seen the item prior to the auction auction shall be carried out on commission. The auctioneer shall be entitled to withdraw lots and has made sure that the item corresponds to the description. The art of netsuke has been a specialty of GALERIE ZACKE for over three decades, exceptionally, to conduct out the auction deviating from the order of the catalogue numbers and to § 11) ) If a customer is not able to participate in an auction personally, the company shall accept offer lots jointly. In the event of any dispute concerning a double bid or if the auctioneer has missed purchase orders. These orders may be placed in writing, via email or fax. In the case of a purchase garnering worldwide recognition. There is hardly a single great netsuke master a bid, the auctioneer shall be entitled to revoke acceptance of a bid and to continue order placed by phone or orally, the company shall reserve the right to make the performance whose major works have not been exhibited by Zacke. Over 2,000 netsuke will be auctioning off the item. The figures attached to the text shall be the expected last and highest bid dependent on a confirmation from the principal communicated in writing, via email or fax. published in our online archive, which is currently under construction. In addition, in EURO (€) from the respective expert. As a rule, the bid shall be increased by 10% of the last bid. Furthermore, the company shall not be liable for the performance of purchase orders. Purchase there are 19 publications of the finest netsuke, with photographs, detailed (See list of the bidding increments). orders with equal top bid limits will be considered in the order of their receipt. Bids which are descriptions including substantial introductory texts, glossary and literature, from § 2) The acceptance of a bid shall be granted to the highest bidder unless a seller’s reserve price only one increment above the starting price shall be exhausted totally. Bids which do not has been agreed with the consignor. Such a seller’s reservation (also referred to as limit) shall be correspond to the increments determined by the company (see bidding increments) in tabular Galerie Zacke’s largest exhibitions, which can all be found online (some physical the minimum price limit below which particular lots shall not be sold during the auction. This limit form will be rounded up to the next higher increment. The table of these increments can be sent copies can still be obtained today). Galerie Zacke held the first exhibition with shall be disclosed upon request and may not exceed the lower estimated price. If a limit (seller’s upon request. netsuke, but also several Sagemono, 36 years ago, around the beginning of June reserve price) is not achieved, the bid of the highest bidder shall be accepted subject to In the case of lots auctioned“without any limits“, bids below the estimated price shall be 1982. The first netsuke catalog was published and TV reporters attended the reservations only. In this case, the highest bidder shall be bound to its highest bid for a period of 8 exhausted totally. The written bid (purchase order) must include the item stating the catalogue opening, interviewing among others the already quite old but still very passionate (eight) working days. If the highest bid from the highest bidder is not finally accepted within this number and the offered top bid limit which is quoted as the amount of the acceptance of the bid period of time, its binding commitment to this bid shall expire. In order for the final acceptance of without buyer’s commission and without value added tax. netsuke collector Marcel Lorber, who was born in Vienna and lived in London. the bid to become effective, it is sufficient to send a corresponding notification to the address Ambiguities shall be carried by the bidder. A purchase order which has already been placed may No. 40 from this catalog comes from his enormous former collection; a large, named by the highest bidder within the stated period of 8 working days. only be cancelled if the written withdrawal is received by the company at least 72 hours prior to expressive and very rare netsuke from the 18th century of a bearded Mongolian § 3) All items shall be subject to differential taxation. A uniform surcharge of 22% plus the value the beginning of the auction. archer. This magnificent netsuke sculpture came to us directly from Lorber, was added tax applicable to the surcharge to the amount of 20% shall be added to the achieved § 12) The company may refuse to process a purchase order without explanation until offering or exhibited by us and featured as no. 1 in that catalog and then became part of a highest bid (final and highest bid). Thus the surcharge shall be 26.4% of the final and highest bid make this dependent on payment of a deposit. In the event of an unsuccessful order, such a in total. deposit will be reimbursed by the company within 5 working days. Processing of purchase orders No. 54 very good collection. § 4) In the event of sales abroad, the value added tax will be repaid if the item is sold to a is free of charge. country which is not a member country of the European Union (third country), the legal § 13) Every contributor shall in principle be entitled to withdraw the items offered for auction The most fascinating aspect of netsuke art is its thematic diversity, allowing one requirements are met and the proof of exportation is provided. The value added tax shall not be until the start of the auction. Therefore, it is impossible to assume liability or to give warranty for to curate an exhibit where no motif is like the other, none are repeated and the shown separately on the invoice. the actual offering. works were carved by a multitude of different artists. These masters often lived § 5) The auction buyer must pay the purchase price immediately upon acceptance of the bid (final § 14) Items paid must be collected within 30 days of payment. Items which have not been and highest bid plus 22% surcharge, plus the value added tax applicable to the surcharge to the collected may be delivered without further communication at a starting price from the recent in the larger cities of Japan, like Kyoto, Nagasaki, Osaka and Edo (Tokyo), but also amount of 20%). However, the company may grant the auction buyer a respite for the payment of auction reduced by 50% after 30 days from the respective auction date. Items which have not in several smaller towns. The ‘apprentices’ who toiled in their workshops in time the purchase price in whole or in part in individual cases. If a respite is refused, the acceptance of been collected within 3 (three) working days after the auction or for which the company does not became masters themselves and established their own workshops or ‘schools’, the bid may be revoked and the item may be reoffered . In the event of revocation of the receive any proper shipping instructions stating the type of shipping and the address of dispatch occasionally developing into true specialists of remarkable skill. acceptance of the bid, the company shall be entitled to accept the last bid from the underbidder. (independent of a possibly placed purchase order) within 3 (three) working days after the auction § 6) In the event of respite in whole or in part, the company shall be entitled to charge default shall be stored at the owner’s risk. interest (12% p.a.) as well as storage charges (2.4% of the final and highest bid per month Furthermore, the company shall be entitled to store items which have been purchased at auction This catalog will show two things: the richness of themes, the magic of the most commenced) after 14 days upon acceptance of the bid. The item purchased at auction shall be and paid but not collected at the buyer’s risk and expense, including the costs for an insurance, diverse, often enough also strangely exotic motifs from nature, everyday life or handed over exclusively upon full payment of the purchase price including all costs and charges with a forwarding agency. It shall be understood that the provisions concerning the re-auctioning the rich world of Japanese mythology, of gods, ghosts, demons and immortals accrued since the acceptance of the bid. of unpaid and paid but not collected items must also apply to items not exhibited or stored on the – and the high level of specialization in the carving of these small netsuke, the § 7) The buyer can take acquired items in possession, as far as possible, immediately or after the premises of the company. The ownership shall be transferred the buyer at the time of handing No. 10 end of the auction. Items which have been fully paid for shall be handed over in our show rooms over the delivery note. compositional difficulties regarding the rounded shape of the netsuke so they in GALLERY ZACKE, MARIAHILFERSTR. 112, 1070 VIENNA. If a deferred purchase price is not paid § 15) In the case of mixed lots with a starting price of less than EUR 350.00, the company shall are suitable for their use. No. 6 is a very good example of this – the three famous within the set period, the company shall be entitled to auction the item again in order to recoup not warrant for the completeness or correctness of the individual items within a mixed lot. monkeys, who have closed their mouth, eyes and ears, carved by Ikkosai with the its claim from the defaulting auction buyer. In this case, the defaulting auction buyer shall be li- § 16) A registration for a bid by telephone for one or several items shall automatically represent liveliest expression and dense, fine fur pattern, in a perfectly rounded composition. able to the company for the total loss of commission incurred by the company due to the re-auc- a bid at the starting price for these items. If the company cannot reach the bidder by telephone, it No. 10 was carved by an entirely different master, showing two monkeys inside tion as well as for any default interest and storage charges. will bid on behalf of the bidder by phone up to the starting price when the respective auction lot § 8) The company shall be entitled to a lien on all items of the buyer irrespective of whether the is called. a chestnut – the chestnut itself has an ideal netsuke shape and the skill of buyer bought them within the scope of an auction or in free sale or the company secured § 17) Payments made to the company by mistake (through the payer’s fault) (e.g. due to Tomochika, who lets his little monkeys climb on the chestnut like on a rock, is ownership of these items otherwise. This lien shall serve to secure all current and future, qualified, miscalculation of the exchange rate by the payer) or payments made to the company for the same quite amusing. limited and unmatured claims to which the company is entitled and which result from all legal invoice several times shall be compensated in form of a credit note for goods for an indefinite transactions concluded with the buyer. period of time. The repayment of such payments in cash shall be excluded. The most extraordinary specialists can be found among the many netsuke carvers § 9) The items received for auction will be exhibited and may be viewed prior to the auction. In § 18) In the case of individual auction lots, it may happen that they are delivered several times. doing so, the company shall give everyone the opportunity to check the nature and the condition In such a case, the auctioneer may accept a second or third etc. bid from the underbidder(s). (Neil Davey, who visited our gallery in Vienna several times and gave lectures, lists of the exhibited items to the extent deemed possible within the scope of the exhibition. Every In this case, the text in the catalogue and not the illustration in the catalogue shall also be over 3,000 names in his netsuke book, which was first published in 1974). Some of bidder shall be deemed to act on its own behalf unless it provides a written confirmation saying exclusively binding with regard to the warranty (relating to these auction lots). them produced incredible work, like Masamitsu, who would turn countless animals that it acts as a representative of a well-known principal. The company may refuse bids; this shall § 19) When making a bid, whether personally, in writing or by telephone, the bidder shall No. 19 into dense netsuke compositions. No. 14 shows the twelve animals of the zodiac particularly apply if a bidder who is unknown to the company or with whom the company has no acknowledge these terms of auction, the AGB (General Terms and Conditions) as well as the rules and no. 16 shows roughly 100 (!) rats that he formed into a netsuke ball. Rats, the business connections yet does not provide security by the beginning of the auction at the latest. of procedure and the schedule of fees (as amended) of the company. However, in principle there shall be no claim to accept a bid. If a bid has been refused, the § 20) The place of performance of the contract brought about between the company on the one first animal of the zodiac, called nezumi or ne for short, are a popular motif found previous bid shall remain effective. hand and the seller as well as the buyer on the other hand shall be the place of business of the in other works as well. Nos. 17 to 22 as well as 65 shows them carved by a diverse § 10) The company’s experts evaluate and describe the items received for auction and determine company. The legal relationships and contracts existing between the company, the sellers and the range of artists, including no. 19, the famous Masanao rat (which has curled into the starting prices unless otherwise stated in the catalogue or expert opinion. The information buyers shall be subject to the Austrian substantive law. The company, the sellers and the buyers a ball, the ideal shape for a netsuke) from one of the great masters from Kyoto. concerning production technique or material, state of preservation, origin, design and age of an shall agree to settle all disputes resulting from, concerning and in connection with this contract The shishi lion dog also appears in several works; each artist’s expression of its item is based on published or otherwise generally accessible (scientific) findings concluded by the before the territorially competent court of Vienna. company’s experts with the necessary care and accuracy. The company shall warrant to the buyer § 21) The export of art objects from Austria, when indicated, shall require a permit from the ‘grimness’, appearing not just strong but with a burlesque facet as well, is worth according to §22 of the AGB (General Terms and Conditions) that properties are correct provided Bundesdenkmalamt [Federal Monuments Office]. In any event, the company shall orally provide seeing again and again. The selection of animals in this catalog is very rich. The that any possible complaints referring to this are made within four weeks upon their taking into information about art objects for which an export permit will probably not be granted at the be- best netsuke include the two goats in no. 24 and 25 as well as the cow and calf, possession. Subsequent complaints shall be excluded in principle. The company shall not be liable ginning of the auction. signed Tomotada, in no. 23. These strikingly real and almost always recumbent for any further information in the catalogue and expert opinion as well. This shall also apply to § 22) Zacke reserves the right to assign to the customer all rights and obligations resulting from illustrations in the catalogue. The purpose of these illustrations is to guide the potential buyer the contractual relationship between Zacke and the contributor by a way of a respective cows (the second animal of the zodiac) are a classic motif of the Kyoto school of during the preview. They shall not be authoritative for the condition or the characteristics of the declaration, as well to assign to the contributor all rights and obligations resulting from the Tomotada. This master is one of the greatest netsuke artists. The camel (which was pictured item. The catalogue and the expert opinions shall only mention defects and damage contractual relationship between Zacke and the customer by way of a respective declaration, in never native to Japan) in no. 27, with the lucky god Fukurokuju, a patron of wealth affecting the artistic or commercial value significantly. Complaints concerning the price shall be each case in terms of a complete assignment of contract with the result that the contractual and longevity, leaning over it immersed in thought, is an oddity. The camel’s excluded upon acceptance of the bid. The company reserves the right to amend catalogue relationship – following the submission of the aforementioned declarations by Zacke – shall No. 25 relative size is that of a slightly larger dog. information prior to the auction. These amendments shall be made either by a written notice at exclusively be between the contributor and the customer, which is in accordance with the basic the place of auction or orally by the auctioneer immediately prior to offering of the respective model of the commission agreement. Customers and contributors shall already now give their item. In this case, the company shall be liable for the amendment only. All items offered may be explicit consent to this contract assignment.

4 5 The characters from the world of tales and legends is a very special subject, one that is slightly more difficult to understand than all the ‘animals’. The Seven Lucky Gods of Japan, the shichi fukujin, are very popular among netsuke artists – fukurokuju, known for his striking, elongated head, has already been mentioned. The ever-laughing Hotei with his always naked, fat protruding belly may be the most popular; he appears several times in this catalog, including as a porcelain netsuke. No. 42 shows him being carried in a bag on the back of one of his boys, who always follow him, one of many humorous facets that can be found in these works. And the Kiev-based netsuke carver Alexander Derkachenko, regularly featured by us with good works, shows all Seven Lucky Gods in a tasteful box with no. 60. The sennin, literally ‘immortals’, in Japan are hermits with magical powers; nos. 45 and 46 show tekkai sennin in very different styles. Daruma, the father of Zen Buddhism, who according to legend meditated in front of a wall for 9 years, is also featured (nos. 47, 61 and 81). Other examples include the well-known poet Ono no Komachi, a vain courtly beauty who became a lonely beggar in old age (no. 41), and seiobo, a magical fairy who lives in the Chinese Kunlun mountains (no. 36); the longevity peaches grow in her garden and every 3,000 years, the 1 2 immortals meet there. A WOOD NETSUKE OF A CICADA ON A NUTSHELL A STAG ANTLER NETSUKE BY SHUNMIN OF A Wood netsuke. Japan, 19th century LOTUS LEAF AND INSECTS Inro make up another distinct section of this catalog. Inro were originally Stag antler netsuke. Japan, first half of 19th century cases for seals (as the literal meaning of the term indicates) and later Very natural, realistically and masterfully carved cicada primarily used to store medicine. Our selection is of high quality and semi, perched on a half walnut shell with retracted A squalid, rolled up lotus leaf, realistically carved includes several renowned masters like Koma Koryu, Shokyosai and wings. The structures on the two wings are precisely with great skill, with flies and a larger insect with one from the Kajikawa family. Although the kacho-e motifs (bird-and- carved. The legs are very naturalistic, as is the nutshell long wings on it. Useful as a netsuke due to the flower paintings), which are popular in Japan, occur frequently, themes with its structured surface, smooth interior and natural finely rounded shape. Plenty of holes through the that are also popular in netsuke art appear as well, like Hotei on an himotoshi. The cicada, called chan in China, has been leaf function as himotoshi. Its veins are carved very inro by Togi (no. 66). But the real draw of these inro, which consist of a symbol of the afterlife, related to its transcendental expressively. The signature SHUN-MIN 㗍 㮹 is several cases, is the uniquely sophisticated lacquer technique of Japan, song, since ancient China. found in a polished reserve on the underside. unsurpassable in its complex subtlety, while the generous use of gold makes them especially attractive. In 1984, Galerie Zacke made a film HEIGHT 2.6 CM, LENGTH 4 CM WIDTH 4.8 CM about these elaborate lacquer techniques together with the lacquer artist Condition: Flawless condition Condition: Very good, complete condition Provenance: From a German private collection Provenance: From a French private collection – Tomizo Saratani, filming the production of a number of lacquer works acquired at Tajan Paris, 20th of June, lot 309 step by step over several months. This film was screened in London in the Estimate EUR 1.000,- same year and later also appeared on Japanese television. Starting price EUR 500,- Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,- Not every work can be listed here, although many other characterful works by different masters would deserve a place in this text. At the beginning we mentioned Marcel Lorber, who died in 1986. He willed a qualitatively managed selection of his collection to the Israel Museum. Some of these pieces were acquired by him in our gallery. Lorber initiated 3 the first Vienna Netsuke Symposium (VNS) with us in 1984, eleven more A BRONZE OKIMONO OF A CICADA SEMI would follow over the years. From 1989, VNS events were also held in Bronze okimono. Japan, 19th century Eastern European countries (behind the ‘iron curtain’ at first) every two years. Netsuke exhibitions were held exclusively for our very international The cicada, called chan in China, has been a symbol crowd of netsuke enthusiasts in the state museums of Budapest, of the afterlife, related to its transcendental song, Prague, Krakow and as a last highlight in the Hermitage Museum in St. since ancient China. Kaempfer wrote that in Japan Petersburg. October will see the 50th anniversary of GALERIE ZACKE, this song is called Tsuku Tsukuboo. The cicada is also with a new publication, which of course will also thoroughly chronicle all a symbol of justice and humanity. The head with of our netsuke exhibitions and symposia. large eyes and the densely arranged veins on the wings are full of character, as are the fragile antennae No. 81 and legs, which are precisely shaped, attached and excellently preserved. Dark brown patina. BEST WISHES GALERIE ZACKE LENGTH 5.3 CM Condition: Good condition (ZWM) Provenance: From an important Austrian private collection, acquired before 1930

Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-

6 7 4 5 7 A WOOD NETSUKE BY TANRI OF A TOAD ON A SANDAL AN IVORY NETSUKE BY IKKOSAI TOUN OF A MONKEY BY KOICHI Wood netsuke. Japan, 19th century MONKEY AND OCTOPUS Wood netsuke. Japan, 19th century Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century, Meiji period This very finely carved toad on a waraji (sandal) is the only In this masterfully crafted netsuke, the large- known work of this artist, pictured with signature in the This ivory netsuke shows the two animals fighting. headed animal is seated, delousing itself. Its great Lazarnick book “Netsuke and Inro Artists” on page The monkey is trapped in the octopus’ tentacles and 6 dense coat is very finely cut, the eyes inlaid 1078. Lazarnick quotes Neil Davey: “One recorded. Wood. is struggling to break free. It is gripping the tako on AN IVORY NETSUKE OF THE THREE WISE with yellow horn. The Japanese monkey, Model of toad. Good work. 19th century”. The toad is better its head, grabbing a chunk of its leathery skin. The MONKEYS BY IKKOSAI saru, is part of the zodiac and is considered than “good”, masterfully carved – in motion, the warty skin’s octopus’ inset eyes are bulging, its nose is pulled up. Ivory netsuke. Japan, Meiji period capable of keeping away the demonic. structure, lively, shiny and black inlaid eyes with dark horn. The serpentine tentacles clutching the monkey make Overall very well rounded, the yellow tsuge- Very unusual, fierce expression. The sandal is carved in a this a compact and excellently crafted composition. The The three wise monkeys, or sanbiki no saru, wood darkly colored, the cord hole running realistic manner with great detail. The signature TAN-RI ᷡ monkey’s fur is very densely carved and colored dark- embody the principle “see no evil, hear no evil, between the legs and the arms. On the 㛶 and himotoshi are found on the underside. The large cord brown, creating a fine contrast between the two foes, speak no evil”. Here they are sitting back to back, bottom of one of the legs is the signature channel is surrounded by the sandal straps. Very good patina. as the tako is very smooth, with a yellowish patina. The with precisely carved fur, colored almost black KO-ICHI ⃱ ᶨ. typical signature is found on the underside. Several with some light, smooth areas. Black inlaid eyes. WIDTH 4.5 CM natural openings serve as himotoshi. Overall excellent carving quality! The signature HEIGHT 3.35 CM Condition: Good condition – tiny nick on the underside of the I-KO-SAI ᶨ ⃱ 滳 is found on the underside Condition: Good condition waraji; one - perhaps natural - hole inside the larger himotoshi Ikkosai Toun (1804-1876), known previously for figural of one of the monkeys’ paws. Ikkosai school – Provenance: From a German private Provenance: From an English private collection depictions and compact, congregations of animals, similar to the previous number 5 in treatment collection according to Meinertzhagen, was good friends with of the fur and slightly dumbfounded facial Published: Lazarnick “Netsuke and Inro Artists” – page 1078 Meikesai Hojitsu and Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, when he expression, with the eyes inlaid in dark horn; but Estimate EUR 1.000,- moved to Tokio due to financial opportunities which of lesser quality. Starting price EUR 500,- Estimate EUR 1.600,- occurred in the light of the opening of Japan during Starting price EUR 800,- the Meiji period. All three are famous for their monkey HEIGHT 3.5 CM carvings, amongst others. All distinct in their style, Condition: Good, complete condition – minor but what connects them is the irrefutable quality, the rubbing of staining on the face of one of the treatment of the fur and the precise and effective monkeys staining of the material. Undoubtedly they influenced Provenance: From an English private collection each other during that period, competing to make the very best carvings of monkeys. Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,- HEIGHT 3.5 CM, LENGTH 4 CM Condition: Good, complete condition – minor rubbing to staining Provenance: From the collection of Marcel Lorber, afterwards Austrian private collection

Published: Illustrated in “Netsuke” by Wolfmar Zacken (1987) – no. 148

Estimate EUR 1.600,- Starting price EUR 800,-

German descriptions and further images of all lots at: www.zacke.at

8 9 8 9 10 11 AN IVORY NETSUKE BY SOSAI OF A AN IVORY NETSUKE BY MITSUHIRO OF A BIWA FRUIT AN IVORY NETSUKE BY TOMOCHIKA OF AN IVORY NETSUKE BY SHIGEMASA OF A TIGER PERSIMMON AND MONKEY Ivory netsuke. Japan, 18th century MONKEYS IN A CHESTNUT ON BAMBOO Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century The loquat, a shrub or tree also known as the Japanese Very well-rounded, four-lobed shape, the top medlar, has fruit which are described as “pomegranate”. This netsuke is ideally shaped with correctly A fiercely looking tiger, or tora, is crouching on a side of the fruit is entirely smooth and polished The fruit is filled with countless seeds and symbolizes placed himotoshi, so that the monkeys could large bamboo stalk. This relates to the motif take well. A monkey, saru, emerges from the fruit, fertility. This netsuke shows a fruit like this, shaped with be seen from the front when worn – just the ni tora, ‘tiger in bamboo’. There are many different its head and torso already outside. The monkey great clarity and admirable purity of form. In a Zen Buddhist thing for someone born in the Year of the interpretations; the tiger has a strong nature, is flexible and kaki (persimmon) are reminiscent of the manner, the devout, pain abstraction leads us to an Monkey. One of the monkeys is looking forward and resilient like the bamboo, but it is also said that popular Japanese folktale of the Monkey-Crab aesthetically heightened perspective. The pome becomes and holding what could be a kaki fruit, the the strong tiger is looking for shelter underneath the Battle, or saru kani gassen. The fruit plays a purified object, gently guiding our visual perception monkeys’ favorite meal, in its hands, while bamboo, as any earthly power is inferior to the forces of a prominent role in this tale, and while the along an emotional-cultic path. One cannot help but feel the other monkey is sitting on top of it with nature. Moreover, the tiger and bamboo represent the monkeys initially trick the crabs, the crabs are astonishment for the fruit as well as the artist, who created its back turned. Himotoshi on the rear and power of faith in Buddhism. Very fine, self-contained, victorious in the end. The underside of the fruit this sculptural work with incredible balance in a doubtlessly underside. Signature TOMO-CHIKA ⍳ 奒 to ↨. lively and charming work. The artist attached a shoot on is crafted in a naturalistic manner and shows arduous process. The little snail, moving towards the The Tomochika school in Tokyo was very well- the side, so the netsuke does not roll over. Finely carved the abbreviated signature SO-SAI ⬿ 滳, which leaf and leaving a trail of slime along the branch, is an known and had several carvers working under signature SHIGE-MASA 慵 㬋 on the underside. could also refer to Kyosai or Keisai. amazingly subtle detail, and the star-shaped scar at the top this name. of the fruit is a delight. These are fine details of the highest HEIGHT 4.2 CM HEIGHT 2.4 CM, WIDTH 3.8 CM quality, which require great skill. The signature MITSU- HEIGHT 3.7 CM Condition: Good general condition, perhaps a Condition: Good, complete condition – HIRO ġ⃱ġġ⺋, too, is delicate; black, agile characters in a Condition: Good condition, minor age cracks smoothed out chip on one of the openings of the beautiful warm, yellow patina small, smooth oval reserve. Every netsuke collector instantly Provenance: From an English private collection bamboo stalk Provenance: From an Austrian private knows that this masterful work was created by Ohara Provenance: From a French private collection, acquired collection Mitsuhiro, who worked in Osaka until around 1875. One of Estimate EUR 1.000,- at Godeau, 2nd June 1980 his most significant students was Kaigyokusai Masatsugu. Starting price EUR 500,- Estimate EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,- HEIGHT 2.5 CM, LENGTH 4.5 CM Starting price EUR 500,- Condition: Good condition – with age cracks Provenance: From the collection of Marcel Lorber, then Austrian private collection

Published: Illustrated in color in “Netsuke” by Wolfmar Zacken (1987) – no. 95

Estimate EUR 1.600,- Starting price EUR 800,-

10 11 14 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF THE ZODIAC BY MASAMITSU Ivory netsuke. Japan, Meiji period

Of compact design, depicted on a square base is the junishi, the twelve animals of the zodiac, as a bundle of animals, all in motion on top of one another. This type of carving is idiosyncratic of Masamitsu, who is known best for his ‘bundle of rats’ carvings. Signed MASA-MITSU 㬋ġ⃱ġwith kao; the kao in a red lacquer reserve.

LENGTH 3.8 CM Condition: Expected wear – some of the inlaid eyes missing, small age crack through the puppies Provenance: From a French private collection

Estimate EUR 1.000,- 12 Starting price EUR 500,- A WOOD NETSUKE BY KAGETOSHI OF A PUPPY Wood netsuke. Japan, first half of 19th century 15 A WOOD NETSUKE BY MASAHIRO OF THE TWELVE ZODIAC ANIMALS A splendidly rounded netsuke; these snugly Wood netsuke. Japan, 19th century dogs are usually called “puppy”. Dark color with red-brown shimmering through. The A fascinatingly rich composition; a highly elaborate work that shows all twelve inserted eyes are glowing black, with a very animals of junishi despite its small size! The Rat comes first, followed by the Ox, lively facial expression and fine, densely carved Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The fur. The cord runs between its legs. The Ox and Horse are carved on the long sides, while the small Rat is on top of the signature KAGE-TOSHI 㘗 ⇑ is found on one Horse. The Dragon, Tiger, Rabbit, very small Dog are on the upper side while of its legs inside a rectangle. The artist, known the Monkey is riding the Pig facing the wrong way. The snake coils around the for small, densely executed netsuke, mostly signature MASA-HIRO 㬋 ⺋. Very well-rounded, openworked shape. The artist worked with ivory and lived in Nagoya. is a well-known master from Nagoya.

HEIGHT 2.8 CM 13 WIDTH 3.9 CM Condition: Excellent condition, expected wear A WOOD NETSUKE OF A DOG AND OCTOPUS Condition: Good general condition, one vertical crack on the side and a natural Provenance: From a German private collection Wood netsuke. Japan, 19th century knot in the wood Provenance: From a German private collection Compare to a model of a bear by Kagetoshi, The dog is placed on an upside-down mortar with very similar execution, signed Kagetoshi which is smooth on the exterior. A hamaguri (clam) Estimate EUR 1.000,- in the same square reserve in MCI page 287, has grown onto its side and a tako (octopus) can Starting price EUR 500,- no. 2069. be found inside it. Its white and black inlaid eyes appear lurking. The tentacles are well carved with Estimate EUR 1.200,- suckers. The dog, carved in a very lively manner, 16 Starting price EUR 600,- has a silly, amusing face with the eyes inlaid in AN IVORY NETSUKE OKIMONO BY MASAMITSU OF A BALL OF RATS umimatsu. Very fine rounding and patina, the Ivory netsuke - okimono. Japan, Meiji period cord channel is cleverly positioned in between the octopus’ tentacles. A rare netsuke okimono shaped like a ball from a well-known specialist for animal groups. In this case it is a multitude of rats or mice, roughly 100 little HEIGHT 2.8 CM animals crafted three-dimensionally in miniature. They show all kinds of poses Condition: Good condition and are arranged closely together. However, this netsuke is too heavy to be Provenance: From an American private collection practical as it is made from ivory and relatively large. Nonetheless there are himotoshi, albeit hard to find. Tiny inscribed signature MASA-MITSUġ㬋ġ⃱ – Estimate EUR 1.200,- the aforementioned specialist of number 14 – on iridescent mother-of-pearl. Starting price EUR 600,- DIAMETER 5 CM Condition: Expected wear and age cracks – some of the inlaid eyes missing Provenance: From an English private collection

Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-

12 13 17 18 20 AN IVORY NETSUKE BY IKKO OF A RAT WITH AN IVORY NETSUKE BY IKKO OF A SEATED RAT AN IVORY NETSUKE BY TOMOKAZU OF TWO RATS DOUBLE GOURD Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century A very good work, with masterfully crafted head and A lively and amusing group with two nezumi; one A very delicately crafted, self-contained work of a eyes and finely crafted fur. The rat, or nezumi, has large, the other significantly smaller and behind the rat, or nezumi, eating a hyotan, which it is holding placed all four of its paws on its tail, which forms first rat. Both have black inlaid eyes full of life and with both front paws. The inlaid eyes are made a circle. The cord can be run through in between very expressively shaped heads with sharp ears. This is from yellow-brown horn and sparkle vividly. The the tail and the legs. The rat is the first animal in obviously an idiosyncrasy of the carver, who has nothing tail forms a curve on the underside and is ideally the Japanese zodiac and symbolizes ambition and to do with the Tomokazu from Gifu and Nagoya. Rather, placed, with the natural cord channel between success, as it jumped over the ox to attain the first this is an artist from the well-known Tomochika circle it and the legs. The rat is the first animal in the place. Signature I-KO ᶨ ⃱, transcribed Ikko, on in Tokyo, which also included Tomomasa. The larger rat Japanese zodiac and symbolizes ambition and the tail. This artist from Nagoya is known for his is about to eat the bean in front of it. The fur on both success, as it jumped over the ox to attain the masterful depictions of animals. animals is a good, fluid piece of work, skillfully depicting first place. Signature I-KO ᶨ ⃱, transcribed Ikko, MCI reads on the artist, “very cleverly made the soft, silky texture of rat fur. The little rat is quite on the tail. animal studies made during the last quarter of the charming, clumsily climbing on its mother. The tails are 19th century” – there are several animal studies crafted three-dimensionally, yet close to the rats so that HEIGHT 2.8 CM, LENGTH 3.5 CM (particularly of rats or hares) that can be found baring they will not break off. The signature TOMO-KAZU ⍳ġ Condition: Good condition, one horizontal and the same signature with the oval, tapered reserve. 19 ᶨġis found in a rectangular frame between the larger one vertical age crack This is certainly one of the finest of this group carved A WOOD NETSUKE BY MASANAO OF A RAT rats’ legs, with a himotoshi on its belly. Provenance: From a German private collection in the late 19th century. Wood netsuke. Japan, 19th century LENGTH 4.4 CM Estimate EUR 700,- HEIGHT 2.5 CM, LENGTH 3.4 CM The famous ‘Masanao rat’ has an almost Condition: Good condition, age crack on the back Starting price EUR 350,- Condition: Age-related wear, beautiful worn patina; spherical shape, forming the ideal netsuke knot. Provenance: From an Austrian private collection two age cracks through the body and one on the tail It is a masterful, naturalistic depiction, both Provenance: From an English private collection amusing and lively. Its body is held by its paws, Published: Illustrated in “Netsuke und Sagemono von with one paw on its face, while the long tail Meistern aus Japan“ by Wolmar Zacken (1992) – no. Estimate EUR 1.200,- passes around the entire back. The gorgeous fur, 109 Starting price EUR 600,- black inlaid eyes and delicate ears are important details. The signature TOMO-KAZUġ⍳ġᶨ is Estimate EUR 1.200,- found on the base of the tail. Starting price EUR 600,-

HEIGHT 3.2 CM Condition: Good condition - two small scratches Provenance: From a German private collection

Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-

14 15 23 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A COW SIGNED TOMOTADA Ivory netsuke. Japan, 18th century

Kyoto works depicting mostly recumbent cows such as this are strikingly different in style from other motifs, predominantly naturalistic and express above all the characteristics of creatures, the ordinary and rural life. This surely resonates with a desire to be one with nature, a Shinto idea, a bourgeois longing for the natural. Certainly, the cow was an artistic ‘invention’, an objectifiable, ingenious idea. This becomes apparent when considering that almost all cows by different carvers were made in a nearly identical manner: head, horns, ears, ribs and spine; the rope, carved in relief passing from the nose around the back in s-shaped lines; the pattern of the fur, which in this case is executed with exceptional skill. The cow looks exactly as it would look in real life and how we would imagine it. The cow’s calf lies at her side, licking her cheek. As with all cow katabori- netsuke, the underside is especially important, showing the legs in a beautifully balanced pose. The signature TOMO-TADAġ⍳ġ⾈ is found in a 21 reserve. AN IVORY NETSUKE BY BISHU OF A RAT STUCK WITH ITS TAIL STUCK IN A CLAM LENGTH 6.7 CM Ivory netsuke. Japan, 20th century Condition: Very good, complete condition with subtle age cracks through the body An accomplished study of a rat struggling to Provenance: From an Austrian private collection free its tail from a hamaguri clam by Saito Bishu (born 1947). The fur is well-detailed and inked Estimate EUR 3.000,- naturalistically. The artist has captured the Starting price EUR 1.500,- movement of the squirming animal very well, one 22 cannot help feeling sorry for the poor little rat. AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT AND CANDLE Signed BI-SHUġġ㈡ġ䥨 on the clam in red colour. Ivory netsuke. Japan, 18th or early 19th century The eyes inked in black. The rat, or nezumi, is eating a candle – an unusual meal even for a rat. The candle is used, as suggested by the wax drops HEIGHT 2.7 CM, WIDTH 4 CM, DEPTH 3.5 CM and black inlaid wood wick. The rat has densely carved, lightly Condition: Good condition, minor wear to one blackened fur, and large, dark inset eyes. The motif of the lacquered eye rat and candle comes up in the works of various masters, we Good condition, minor wear to lacquered eye have offered it ourselves from Chikusai, Masaka, Okatomo, Provenance: From a German private collection Tomokazu and others. Large himotoshi through the candle.

Estimate EUR 1.000,- LENGTH 4.8 CM Starting price EUR 500,- Condition: Age cracks through the rat and candle, complete condition Provenance: From an American private collection

Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-

16 17 26 LENGTH 3.5 CM, HEIGHT 3 CM A WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT HORSE Condition: Excellent condition – beautiful warm Wood netsuke. Japan, first half of 19th century patina, surely an indicator of a well-used netsuke Provenance: From an American private collection A very perceptive depiction of a recumbent horse (uma) with its slender head raised. It would appear as this netsuke was worn Compare to a very similar ivory model sold at The by someone born in the Year of the Horse. It should be noted Cobbs Auctioneers October 12, 2013 – lot 26. that in Japan, there was a small breed with a shoulder height up to 120 cm. Good hand patina, large himotoshi on the underside Estimate EUR 1.200.- between the legs. Starting price EUR 600.-

27 A SMALL IVORY NETSUKE BY RYUO OF FUKUROKUJU Ivory netsuke. Japan, 18th century

Fukurokuju is depicted here in a very rare manner 24 25 – leaning over a camel. Considering that the camel AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A GOAT AN IVORY NETSUKE BY KANGYOKU OF A GOAT was fairly unknown in Japan, the netsuke carver Ivory netsuke. Japan, 18th century Ivory netsuke. Japan, 20th century made a good job of it. Fukurokuju with his characteristic elongated head and beard is leaning A masterfully executed netsuke of a goat curiously Kangyoku is one of the best-known and greatest over the resting animal, one hand supporting his turning its head back with its legs placed on top of netsuke masters of the last century. However, he is chin and the other holding a scroll, with a shrewd, a tree trunk. You can almost smell the goat and its the third to use this name, his father and a brother satisfied look on his face. The sole of his shoe and nose is so finely crafted it appears like it is smelling of his father having studied under Hojitsu, one of the the signature on a piece that was attached later but us. It has large, dark inlaid eyes and flame-like fur best netsuke carvers in Japan, who lived in Tokyo. This is still old. This very small netsuke has a beautiful with a plaited pattern. The underside is also quite netsuke mirrors Hojitsu and his work in an interesting color and rather tiny himotoshi. lovely, with the legs, hooves and honeycomb pattern way, with a rich, dense nature, figural wholeness and on the trunk. Animals from the Japanese zodiac, lively expression. The earthy depiction is reminiscent of HEIGHT 2.2 CM junishi, were very popular in netsuke art, however the tale of Koshohei, a hermit in the mountains, whose Condition: Good general condition, used patina – the goat is relatively rare. Goats were not known herd of goats turned into rocks but could be brought the sole with signet, possibly an old replacement as pets in Japan. A very characteristic and powerful back to life at any time with his cane. Signature KAN- Provenance: From the collection of Marcel Lorber, piece from the Kyoto school. GYOKU ⮔ 䌱 on the underside on one of the legs with then Austrian private collection small himotoshi beside it. LENGTH 4.1 CM Published: Illustrated in “Netsuke” by Wolfmar Condition: Excellent condition HEIGHT 3.6 CM Zacken (1987) – no. 77 Provenance: From an Austrian private collection Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: From a French private collection, acquired Estimate EUR 600,- A similar piece, described as 18th century, but of at Tajan Paris on 21st December 1973, lot 303 Starting price EUR 300,- lesser quality is illustrated in Masterpieces of Netsuke art by Bernard Hurtig, No. 855. Note: Kangyoku was born in 1944 and still lives today, but no longer works due to his failing eyesight. After Published: Illustrated in “Netsuke, Okimono- the death of his father (Kangyoku II), the family became Sagemono“ by Wolmar Zacken (1990) – no. 84 completely impoverished and Kangyoku was forced to carve netsuke to earn a minimum income. He is Estimate EUR 2.000,- doubtlessly the greatest of all Kangyokus, with no works Starting price EUR 1.000,- by the other two being documented.

Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-

18 19 28 29 30 31 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF JUROJIN AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A DEER AN IVORY NETSUKE OF SHORIKEN WITH A WOOD NETSUKE BY MINKOKU OF A BOY Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century TIGER AND OX Ivory netsuke. Japan, first half of 19th century Wood netsuke. Japan, 19th century Jurojin, Japanese for “long-lived, old man”, The deer, or shika in Japanese, is somewhat is the god of longevity and scholarly success. venerated in Japan and is also called kami no tsukai, Shoriken is a Taoist immortal, called Zhongli A brawny ox with curved horns standing on an Similar to Fukurokuju, he has an elongated or ‘messenger of the gods’. It is the companion Quan in China. His main characteristic is the oval base. The ox-boy, called ushidoji, is leaning head and a beard, but rarely laughs and is of Jurojin, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, and tiger, which sneaks around with a somewhat on it. This netsuke is beautifully carved with great rather serious. He likes to sit on his mount, a sometimes also accompanies Fukurokuju and mischievous expression. Shoriken shows a joyous attention to detail. The ox is the second animal deer, which is masterfully carved in this work, the fairy Seiobo. The deer is the only animal that facial expression, has a long chin beard and is in the zodiac. This motif of the ox and the boy is especially its beautifully shaped head. Jurojin can find the immortality mushroom reishi. This wearing a Taoist cap on his head and a long, reminiscent of a well-known Zen Buddhist tale, the is holding a fan and a staff, which resembles netsuke depicts the shika in a very lively manner, richly pleated garment. Himotoshi on the rear. Ten Ox Herding Pictures or jugyu no zu. Beautiful, a thunderbolt. The facial expression as well with slender legs and a dynamic fur pattern. Dark Fine, honey yellow patina due to age. dark color. Inlaid signature on the flat base MIN- as the folds and decorative patterns of the inlaid eyes. Oval base, flat on the underside. KOKU 㮹 察, a carver from Tokyo – typical work. Chinese garment are very finely carved. The HEIGHT 6.8 CM himotoshi are found on the back on the deer. HEIGHT 3.2 CM, WIDTH 3.3 CM Condition: Age-related wear to staining and age HEIGHT 3.4 CM, WIDTH 4.2 CM Condition: Very good condition cracks; repair to the edge of the two feet of the Condition: Excellent condition HEIGHT 6.5 CM Provenance: From an English private collection tiger and one of Shoriken Provenance: From a German private collection Condition: Good condition – the staff replaced Provenance: From an important Austrian private Provenance: From a German private collection Estimate EUR 600,- collection, acquired before 1930 Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 300,- Starting price EUR 500,- Estimate EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 400,-

20 21 34 AN IVORY NETSUKE OKIMONO OF THE LION DANCE SHISHIMAI Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century

A very amusing group of five boys on a table and a grim lion mask. Three boys in the front, two playing on wind instruments and one playing the drum. Another boy is sitting on the three-legged table behind them and wearing a large lion mask. The fifth boy is the smallest, curiously looking 32 under the table on the rear. Very lively facial AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI ON A PEDESTAL expressions and garments. Himotoshi on the Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century table. Tomochika School.

A very unusually shaped netsuke of a guardian lion shishi, small and HEIGHT 5.8 CM brawny with many curls, seated on a high pedestal. Its four slender legs Condition: Good, complete condition with are elegantly curved and standing on a base with a seal inscription on a few minor vertical age cracks and some the underside, making this an ingyo netsuke. The inscription reads Fuku fading to the ink details shi 䤷 䣢, or “blessing“. Himotoshi on the upper part of the pedestal. Provenance: From a French private collection

HEIGHT 6.1 CM Estimate EUR 1.000,- Condition: Good condition, minor scratches and deep-yellow patina Starting price EUR 500,- Provenance: From a German private collection

Estimate EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 250,-

35 A PAINTED WOOD NETSUKE BY NAGAMACHI SHUZAN OF CHINNAN SENNIN Wood netsuke with colors. Japan, 19th century

This sennin (immortal) lived for 1350 years and is said to have only eaten dog meat, weaving baskets for money and making magical pills that protected from disease and ensured a long life. He was able to conjure 33 up a dragon from a vessel, as can be seen A WOOD NETSUKE OF TOBA SEATED ON HIS MULE in this work. The scaled creature is coiled Wood netsuke. Japan, 19th century around his neck. Chinnan is wearing the leaf garment characteristic of sennin, with a very Toba is a historic figure, who lived in China, where he is called Su Shi, during expressively carved head. Some painting the 11th century as a high official and calligrapher, and was banished twice with predominantly green, also red colors. due to court intrigues, the second time to the island of Hainan. This work Himotoshi on the sennin’s bottom, next to shows him seated upright on his mule and taking in the landscape. This the signature SHU-ZAN ␐ Ⱉ. netsuke is an ingyo, a seal netsuke. Characters in stylized seal script on the underside of the base. Himotoshi on the belly and side of the mule. HEIGHT 5.7 CM Condition: Feet repaired, otherwise good HEIGHT 6.1 CM complete condition Condition: Good condition with excellent patina Provenance: From a Dutch private collection Provenance: From a Dutch private collection A very similar piece also by Nagamichi Estimate EUR 600,- Shuzan is illustrated in Masterpieces of Starting price EUR 300,- Netsuke art by Bernard Hurtig, No. 511.

Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,-

22 23 36 37 38 39 A SMALL IVORY NETSUKE OF SEIOBO AN IVORY NETSUKE OF AN IMMORTAL ON A ROCK AN IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI WITH KARAKO A SMALL IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century Ivory netsuke. Japan, 18th century Ivory netsuke. Japan, early 19th century Ivory netsuke. Japan, early 19th century

An extraordinarily fine work showing Seiobo seated on a Large head of a wise seer, his chest bare and one of his legs A very lively netsuke showing the Hotei-boy motif. A delightful depiction of this little netsuke deity, chair, holding her famous attribute, the longevity peach, in bent. This motif is often described as rakkan (Buddha’s disciple) The laughing deity, one of the Seven Lucky Goods, originating from the Chinese monk Budai, an emblem of one of her hands. Seiobo is known as Xiwangmu 大 䌳, the but is actually after the Chinese Taoist immortals, the Xian ẁ. A is masterfully crafted, joyously laughing and holding mental well-being. This netsuke shows Hotei laughing Royal Mother of the West in China. Her palace is located double hyotan, a bottle gourd, lies on his shoulder. It is a symbol the boy, who is peeking from the sack on Hotei’s with delight, holding his plump belly with one hand. The in the Kunlun mountains, where every 3000 years these of immortality as it contains the elixir of life. Very good figural back. The boy’s head is resting on Hotei’s shoulder obligatory karako becomes part of the deity’s garment precious peaches grow in her gardens. Very finely carved facial wholeness, honey yellow patina, large himotoshi in the flat base. and he is holding a small ball in one hand. The in this fine composition and is peeping out from behind expressions, decorated garment, chignon, a fan in her hand. deity’s ears have a similar shape to his famous Hotei. The color on the deeper carvings give this piece a Cord channel through the chair. HEIGHT 3.85 CM naked belly. A nice composition of the garment wonderful, three-dimensional quality. Condition: Good condition with an extensive honey yellow patterns and two himotoshi on the rear. HEIGHT 3.4 CM patina, expected age cracks HEIGHT 3.9 CM Condition: Very good condition Provenance: From an English private collection HEIGHT 4.8 CM Condition: Good, age-related condition Provenance: From the Arlette Katchen collection, Paris Condition: Good, complete condition; used patina Provenance: From the collection of Marcel Lorber, then Estimate EUR 700,- Provenance: From an Austrian private collection Austrian private collection Published: Arlette Katchen, Netsuke 7, Paris, 2010, vol.2, Starting price EUR 350,- p.338, no. K762. Published: Illustrated in “Netsuke” by Wolfmar Estimate EUR 1.200,- Zacken (1987) – no. 35 Starting price EUR 600,- Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,- Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-

24 25 40 AN IMPORTANT TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONGOLIAN ARCHER Ivory netsuke. Japan, 18th century

Works like this one are often described as Mongolian archers. This particularly large netsuke leaves a strong impression, a real sculpture so true to life as if one was seeing this man in a lonely spot in the dark night, illuminated only by the pale moonlight. The inspiration for this work is unclear; the Mongol invasion, a fascinating event in the late 13th century that has had a deep impact on Japan’s history, can be ruled out, as it occurred five hundred years earlier and the paintings of the time do not indicate this. It is also questionable that the hunter is a Mongol, as the Jurchen people for example were known as hunters in the Siberian forests. The work could also depict a generic ‘Siberian hunter’. The strong archer is wearing a wide hat and has a full beard, with a dead rabbit on his belt. There are many imaginative details that make this such an attractive work; his eyes are wide open and his mouth is opened as if screaming, with fine katabori-carved garment, decorative patterns with vines, meanders and honeycombs. A lion mask on his belt, quiver with arrows hanging around his back with large himotoshi underneath. The entire rear side shows floral decorations. A fur tassle on the hat and half a chrysanthemum on the hat’s brim, which appears rather unusual! Deep patina especially on the rear.

HEIGHT 9.9 CM Condition: Good, complete and original condition; the netsuke shows a deep patina, the backside especially with a honey yellow, smooth worn patina; a small section of the hat has been reattached Provenance: From the collection of Marcel Lorber, then Austrian private collection

Published: Illustrated in color on the cover of “Netsuke” by Wolfmar Zacken (1987) – no. 1

Estimate EUR 15.000,- Starting price EUR 7.500,-

26 27 42 43 44 A WOOD NETSUKE OF HOTEI A WOOD NETSUKE BY HIDEHARU OF A SPARROW DANCER A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A FLYING TENNIN Wood netsuke. Japan, 19th century Wood netsuke. Japan, 19th century Wood netsuke. Japan, 19th century

The ever-laughing Hotei, the most popular of the Shichi A sparrow dancer seated with flatly spread out legs. The arms are spread Tennin, meaning ‘heavenly being’, are similar to Fukujin, the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan, is sitting in out as well, his hands are touching his toes. His facial expression suggests western nymphs and live in Buddhist heaven. his sack, which he carries with him all the time, and this to be a strenuous position for him. His eyes are lacquered black and This openworked netsuke shows a rich, dense is carried by a boy (karako). The facial details are very he is wearing a round straw hat on his head. The signature HIDE-HARU composition, with the body bent and flowing finely carved. The coloration is rich in contrast. A small 䥨 㘜 is found on the underside of one of his thighs. Himotoshi on the garment and scarves. The tennin is holding a sho, panel with a monogram Kakihan is found on the base, figure’s bottom. or ‘mouth organ’, in both hands. Himotoshi on the 41 with the cord channel behind. Hotei is said to have been underside. Very rare execution in wood. AN IVORY NETSUKE BY SORAKU OF THE POET in China, where he is called Budai, as a wandering monk HEIGHT 3.7 CM, WIDTH 6 CM KOMACHI AS AN OLD WOMAN and fortuneteller in the late 9th century. He is especially Condition: Excellent condition - with a fine patina LENGTH 4.5 CM Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century venerated as an incarnation of the future Buddha. Provenance: From an English private collection Condition: Good, complete condition Provenance: From a French private collection A very masterfully crafted work depicting the HEIGHT 3.1 CM, LENGTH 4.6 CM A very similar piece, with the same pained expression, by Motokiyo is famous poet Ono no Komachi, one of the Rokkasen, Condition: Excellent condition - very good patina illustrated in Masterpieces of Netsuke art by Bernard Hurtig, No. 956. Estimate EUR 700,- the six best poets of the 9th century. She was Provenance: From a Swedish private collection Starting price EUR 350,- known as an extremely moody, arrogant and vain Estimate EUR 800,- court lady of great beauty in Kyoto. In old age she Estimate EUR 700,- Starting price EUR 400,- became a beggar, wearing shabby clothes and Starting price EUR 350,- supporting herself on a cane, as she is depicted in this netsuke, with bare feet, bent over, garment full of holes. Attached to her bamboo cane is a paper with some sosho script written on it, which is attached to an ink stone, all by a carefully knotted rope. Her famous large hat is on her back. Very good coloring, small himotoshi on the rear with the signature SO-RAKU 䚠 㦪 underneath.

HEIGHT 6.3 CM Condition: Good condition, beautiful patina; one very minor old chip on the ink stone Provenance: From a German private collection

Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-

28 29 47 A LACQUERED WOOD AND IVORY NETSUKE OF DARUMA Wood, ivory and lacquer netsuke. Japan, 19th century

Daruma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, is said to have lived in the 6th century, the 28th Patriarch of Buddhism and the first in Zen Buddhism. He became famous for his zazen in front of a wall, also known as Menpeki Kunen, ‘9 years in front of a wall’, as depicted in this netsuke. Daruma is completely wrapped in a warm, red blanket and stares into space. The lacquer is applied with the negoro technique, with shades of black coming through the layer or red lacquer. Remnants of gilding accentuate the folds of his robes. The belly, chest and face are inlaid ivory, enlivening the facial features. Himotoshi on the underside.

HEIGHT 2.8 CM, WIDTH 3.65 CM Condition: Good, complete condition, minor crack through the himotoshi Provenance: From a French private collection

Estimate EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 200,-

48 A PORCELAIN NETSUKE OF HOTEI Porcelain netsuke with enamel colors. Japan, Meiji period

A very fine yakimono netsuke that shows Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, whose face looks more like that of a boy in this work, while his naked belly is as plump as ever. His little hands and feet appear very delicate. His robe is painted in many different colors and is beautifully decorated. Himotoshi on the rear and underside. Probably a Hiradoyaki, as most ceramic netsuke were made in Hirado.

45 46 HEIGHT 3.8 CM AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TEKKAI SENNIN A TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF TEKKAI SENNIN Condition: Excellent condition Ivory netsuke. Japan, 18th century Wood netsuke. Japan, 19th century Provenance: From an important Austrian private collection, acquired before 1930 This sennin is depicted in a lively manner as a The immortal with his iron cane, which he is holding beggar with characteristic leaf garment fluttering in one hand. He is wearing the characteristic Estimate EUR 400,- in the wind and a high cane, onto which a double garment made of Artemisia leaves. There is a small Starting price EUR 200,- gourd is attached. The long-haired anchorite and figure behind his head that represents the Chinese Taoist magician with a pointed chin beard appears philosopher Laozi (Roshi in Japanese), founder of jolly and seems to scouting the surrounding area Taoism. Tekkai was able to leave his body with his in search of his soul, which has separated from his soul to meet Laozi in heaven for a chat. Tekkai, Li body. Tieguai in China, is one of the Eight Immortals. 49 Unusual netsuke, also no himotoshi, however there A LACQUER NETSUKE OF THE WIND GOD FUTEN HEIGHT 6.5 CM are small spaces between the cane and his body to Lacquer netsuke. Japan, 19th century Condition: Good, complete condition; rubbed thread the cord through. patina Futen, the god of the wind, appears like an oni (demon) in Provenance: From the collection of Marcel Lorber, HEIGHT 9.9 CM this work, with the small horns on his head, the red color then Austrian private collection Condition: Good general condition - minor wear; of his body and his claws. Seated on a circular cloud with there is some paint on the bottom of his feet, a bag of winds lying beside him. He is holding a spatula in Published: Illustrated in “Netsuke” by Wolfmar however not restored one hand, which he uses to dig a hole in the cloud to see Zacken (1987) – no. 12 Provenance: From an important Austrian private what is happening on earth below. Lacquer netsuke are collection, acquired before 1930 quite rare and were made by lacquer masters. They are Estimate EUR 800,- usually slightly lighter in weight. Himotoshi in the cloud on Starting price EUR 400,- Estimate EUR 800,- the underside. Starting price EUR 400,- HEIGHT 3 CM, DIAMETER 3.7 CM Condition: Good condition, minor wear to lacquer Provenance: From an English private collection

Estimate EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 200,-

30 31 52 AN IVORY NETSUKE BY TOMOMASA OF AN ONI Ivory netsuke. Japan, mid-19th century

A very humorous interpretation of this well-known theme. The high quality of this carving can be seen in the finely crafted muscles. This oni with black horns is polishing a mokugyo, a kind of gong, with an opening that resembles a wide fish mouth. It is also called waniguchi (crocodile mouth). This piece shows great attention to detail. Himotoshi through the openings of the mokugyo. Signature TOMO-MASAġ⍳ġ㬋ġin oval reserve on the underside.

HEIGHT 3.4 CM Condition: Good condition, the tobacco satchel which is tied to the double gourd netsuke is removable on purpose Provenance: From an Austrian private collection

Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-

50 AN IVORY NETSUKE BY SHOZAN OF A SKULL 53 Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century A WOOD NETSUKE OF THE DEMON QUELLER SHOKI WITH ONI Wood netsuke. Japan, 19th century An excellently crafted, anatomically quite accurate skull, a symbol of mortality. Large, staring eyes, individual teeth The famous vanquisher of demons and evil beings shows a very unusual in the upper jaw. The large hole suggests a lethal blow to posture – seated and not holding a sword. As always, Shoki is has a full beard the head with a club or mace. Asahi Gyokuzan in Tokyo and a grim expression, which is permeated by a sense of well-being in this became very well-known for his skull netsuke. Signature case however, as a muscular oni (demon) is massaging his back. An interesting SHO-ZAN 㜦 Ⱉ on the underside, a carver from the detail of this densely and plastically carved work is the oni’s facial expression, Gyokuzan school. Several possibilities for himotoshi, with suggesting it feels it will finally defeat Shoki. The cord channel is positioned two small holes on the back. between the legs.

HEIGHT 3.7 CM, LENGTH 4.5 CM HEIGHT 4.2 CM Condition: Very good condition Condition: Good condition with minor nicks in the wood Provenance: From an Austrian private collection Provenance: From a French private collection

Estimate EUR 1.200,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 600,- 51 Starting price EUR 300,- AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MASK OF AN ONI AND OKAME Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century

The oni (demon) with small, sharp horns and fangs, bushy brows and large, flaming eyes with reticulated pupils. On the rear, the small face of Okame, also known as Uzume, a chubby-faced female deity who symbolizes gaiety and sensuality, with two bundles of straw next to her.

HEIGHT 3.7 CM Condition: Good condition, small chip on the inside Provenance: From a German private collection

Estimate EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 250,-

32 33 54 55 AN IVORY NETSUKE BY SHOUNSAI OF SHISHI AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A PLAYING IN PEONY GROVE SHISHI WITH PUPPY Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century Ivory netsuke. Japan, 18th century

These guardian lions are called shishi. They are The large lion dog shishi is playful, feisty like young, little dogs – lion dogs. snarling at the small puppy They are found in many different varieties in East trying to climb on his back from Asian art, from mythological monuments to realistic behind. Both are lying on a bed beasts, but most often with fantastical elements. of branches and foliage from the Lion dogs such as these from 18th to or 19th century tree peony, the larger one with a Japan are quite similar to the Chinese Ming dynasty loose ball in its mouth. Shishi in bronze shizu (or shishi), of which we have offered a peony grave symbolize a ruler’s several over the years. Shishi are a popular subject power. An early piece, some in netsuke art. This piece is excellently crafted, quite honey brown patina – almost scenic, but a rather massive okimono even though shriveled in some areas, strong there are himotoshi on the smooth underside. himotoshi on the underside. Both shishi are on a rock with peonies on top of a waterfall. Great attention to detail, inlaid eyes. One SIZE 5.5 x 4.7 CM of the shishi with red-colored mouth. Signature on Condition: Fine condition, minor the base SHO-UN-SAI ġġ㬋ġ暚ġ滳. Only one of the age cracks several artists called Shounsai used this Sho and he Provenance: From a German is likely to have been the father of Shomin. private collection

WIDTH 5.9 CM Estimate EUR 1.600,- Condition: Excellent condition Starting price EUR 800,- Provenance: From an Austrian private collection

Published: Illustrated in color in “Netsuke von Meistern” by Wolfmar Zacken (1989) – no. 45

Estimate EUR 1.600,- Starting price EUR 800,-

34 35 57 58 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT SHISHI AN IVORY AND LACQUER NETSUKE OF A Ivory netsuke. Japan, 19th century RECUMBENT SHISHI ON MAT Ivory netsuke with gold lacquer. Japan, 19th century This work features all the typical attributes of shishi – slightly grim expression, curly beard, full mane and This shishi is a likeness worthy of its ancestors, flaming tail. It is scratching itself with one of its rear with a grim facial expression, massive body, well- legs, its body forming a half circle. Very beautiful fed, immovable, meditative like a Buddha and thus polish and patina. Himotoshi on the underside. These emblematic in an ideal manner. Its claws are sharp, shishi, called shizi in China, are based on the large and its mane and tail are flowing in the form of guardian lions by the entrances of palaces and temples. whirls. Its face is a delight, with flaming brows, large, dark eyes (reminiscent of Bodhidarma/Daruma) and LENGTH 3.7 CM sharp fangs. Symmetrically bored himotoshi on the Condition: Good condition with age cracks flat base. The mat is overlaid with gold lacquer, the Provenance: From an English private collection eyes are gold lacquer as well.

Estimate EUR 800,- LENGTH 3.7 CM Starting price EUR 400,- Condition: Good condition, some wear to lacquer and loss of gilding Provenance: From a German private collection 59 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF CLAMS AND MINOGAME Estimate EUR 600,- Ivory netsuke. Japan, early 19th century Starting price EUR 300,- A very finely crafted composition that consists of three different clams. Hamaguri (venus clam) on top, ear shell awabi with characteristic row of holes below; this shell is a popular gift in Japan, related to the wish for a long life. The third is a scallop. A small minogame is sitting inside the opening of the hamaguri, raising its head curiously. 56 Beautiful, large himotoshi on the underside. AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO SHISHI AND BALL Ivory netsuke. Japan, 18th century HEIGHT 2.1 CM, WIDTH 4 CM Condition: Good condition, beautiful patina with streaks The lion dog has a movable pellet in its mouth and both of honey brown - very good coloration and polish front paws placed on a ball. The smaller shishi is looking Provenance: From an Austrian private collection in the other direction and has also both front paws on the large ball. A powerfully balanced work that shows Estimate EUR 600,- beautiful discoloration due to age. Deeply hollowed out Starting price EUR 300,- himotoshi.

HEIGHT 3.3 CM Condition: Good condition, expected age cracks Provenance: From an Austrian private collection

Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 600,-

36 37 CONTEMPORARY NETSUKE CARVER ALEXANDER DERKACHENKO (No.60-65)

Alexander Derkachenko, born 1964 in Sambor, has been carving netsuke since 1995 and does so to this day. Originally, he was an engineer for military aircraft. We met him by mere chance in Kiev in 1997 and subsequently invited him to our netsuke symposia – the VIENNA NETSUKE SYMPOSIA (VNS). The 2002 Kiev publication Contemporary Netsuke from the Ukraine, by Alexander Derkachenko shows a photograph taken in the old GALERIE ZACKE on Schulerstraße of the British netsuke artists Guy Shaw and Michael Birch, the former curator for Japanese art at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Uspenksy, and Derkachenko. Guy Shaw wrote the words “Four desperate men” on this picture, while someone else wrote “Four happy men” underneath them. Derkachenko is the only one of these four men to still be alive. The following netsuke works come from his still very active workshop. One of the artist’s specialties is the lively, expressive carving of faces. In the foreword of the aforementioned publication, Guy Shaw wrote, “Alexander Derkachenko is a truly gifted sculptor who has chosen the difficult path of netsuke …”.

60 A SET OF SHICHI FUKUJIN MAMMOTH IVORY NETSUKE BY ALEXANDER DERKACHENKO Mammoth ivory netsuke. Kiev

Derkachenko has always had a special talent for carving faces, and also made netsuke of the customer’s portrait. In this work, he has carved the Shichi Fukujin, the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan. They all have different appearances and facial features representing their specific characteristics. Hotei is laughing happily, as is Ebisu, the god of fishermen, who is holding a big fish he just caught. Fukurokuju, the god of wisdom and longevity, with the typical elongated forehead, and Daikoku, the god of wealth, naturally also appear happy. On the other hand, Jurojin, next to a crane, and the martial Bishamon, appear rather morose. The only female Lucky God, Benten, is playing the lute. All seven works are carved with great accuracy as ‘real’ netsuke, regarding the form and correctly placed himotoshi. All are signed, as is the box with tasteful case.

HEIGHT 3.3-4.1 CM Condition: Good condition

Estimate EUR 6.000,- Starting price EUR 3.000,-

38 39 62 64 A MAMMOTH IVORY NETSUKE A MAMMOTH IVORY NETSUKE BY BY DERKACHENKO DERKACHENKO OF FUKUROKUJU OF A FOX AS A MONK Mammoth ivory netsuke, Kiev Mammoth ivory netsuke with colors, Kiev If this netsuke lies flat on a surface, only the turtle with its unusually large head The fox (kitsune) is known as can be seen – its eyes tiny and its small a sly animal, a demon that can yet wide mouth forming a curved line transform itself into humans, that resembles a smile. The pattern on the even a beautiful girl. According shell is decorative and colored. Turning to legend, at 1000 years old he the piece around reveals Fukurokuju, with has nine tails and becomes a long, full beard and the characteristic deity. This netsuke shows him in elongated head, to great effect. The a long garment decorated with name Fuku-roku-ju means luck - freedom blossoms, the rather cat-like, - longevity, complemented by the sensual face of the fox emerging turtle (kame) as a symbol of longevity. curiously from the white head Fukurokuju is one of the Seven Lucky 61 scarf. Black inlaid eyes, sharp Gods, or Shichi Fukujin. With signed and A BOXWOOD NETSUKE BY ALEXANDER nose, slender, girl-like body. The lined wooden box. DERKACHENKO OF DARUMA motif of the fox as a monk, called Boxwood netsuke, Kiev hyakuzosu, traces back to a play HEIGHT 6.6 CM ma, es Tsurigitsune. With signed Condition: Good condition Daruma is the famous father of Zen and lined wooden box. Buddhism, a popular and always parodic Estimate EUR 1.200,- motif. Legend has it that he crossed the HEIGHT 7.1 CM Starting price EUR 600,- ocean on a single reed, and then meditated Condition: Good condition for nine years, during which his legs rotted off from sitting so long. He is also popular Estimate EUR 1.500,- as a snowman, Yukidaruma. This netsuke Starting price EUR 750,- shows Daruma meditating, with an agonized expression, crafted by the artist with lively charm. Possibly he is freezing as well, as suggested by the sleeve. Inlaid eyes, 65 garment decorated with kiku blossoms A BOXWOOD NETSUKE BY (chrysanthemum), a scroll in front of Daruma. ALEXANDER DERKACHENKO Boxwood netsuke. Kiev HEIGHT 4 CM Condition: Good condition Nezumi, the Japanese word for rat or mouse, is the first animal Estimate EUR 1.000,- in the Chinese zodiac, because Starting price EUR 500,- it swiftly jumped over the ox to be in the forefront. Derkachenko masterfully captured its lively nature, as exhibited by the finely carved fur, tail, ears and dark eyes. There are two amusing details: the Nezumi’s front paws are placed on the key of the padlock in a way that 63 suggests it knows how to use A BOXWOOD NETSUKE BY DERKACHENKO OF A BEETLE ON A TREE this equipment; and its tiny teeth. TRUNK Derkachenko’s signature is found Boxwood netsuke, Kiev on the underside of the padlock.

A naturalistic, precisely carved beetle with black inlaid eyes on a hollow piece LENGTH 4.4 CM of a tree trunk. The trunk has a notched structure and several openings on the Condition: Good condition side. Inside it is a spider’s web, a very special detail, with an insect in the form of a bright green dot trapped in it. Signature on the underside in the center of the Estimate EUR 1.100,- trunk. With signed and lined wooden box. Starting price EUR 550,-

HEIGHT 6.6 CM Condition: Good condition

Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 600,-

40 41 69 A FOUR CASE LACQUER AND GOLD INRO BY HOSHIN Lacquer and gold inro with some silver. Japan, late 18th to first half of 19th century

66 A four case inro crafted in the style of kacho-e. A THREE CASE LACQUER AND GOLD INRO BY The background imitates wood grain, the de- TOGI OF HOTEI piction in takamaki-e with gold shows mostly Lacquer and gold inro, coral ojime and ivory netsuke prunus blossoms, also a gnarly, withered tree with lacquer. Japan, 19th century 68 trunk. Peony and three flying birds. Signature A FOUR CASE LACQUER AND GOLD INRO BY HO-SHIN ㉙ 䛇 with gold on the underside. A three case inro with shiny black roironuri, golden SHOKYOSAI Small, spherical ojime with gold lacquer shows nashiji and silver. Hotei in takamaki-e with gold on Lacquer and gold inro with inlays, lacquer ojime and a miniscule painting of a Shinto temple with one side, laughing heartily, with a fat belly, gleefully ivory netsuke with shibuichi, silver, copper and gold. red torii. walking along (historically he was a travelling monk Japan, late 19th century and fortuneteller in the 10th century) and carrying HEIGHT inro 9.5 CM his huge sack with a long stick. Silver full moon on A four case inro, very finely crafted with a lot of Condition: Good condition the rear. Signature TO-GI 㟫 ⭄ and Kao on the gold, the birds inlaid with different kinds of mother- Provenance: From a French private collection underside. of-pearl and horn. Both sides show large pines The spherical ojime is made from red coral, the also 67 with a stream with stylized waves. The pines in Estimate EUR 400,- spherical manju netsuke made from ivory shows a A FOUR CASE LACQUER AND GOLD INRO BY KOMA KORYU takamaki-e, the gold background ikajeki with gold Starting price EUR 200,- depiction of Jurojin, who represents longevity and Lacquer, gold and mother-of-pearl inro. Japan, late 18th century nashiji on the interior. Signature SHO-KYO-SAI 㜦 scholarly success. His high head is covered and he is ⣦ 滳 on the underside. This artist belonged to a holding a scroll. Takamaki-e with gold and silver. A four case inro, masterfully decorated with a peafowl (kujaku), a symbol of group that had the name Shokyo, which included beauty and dignity, also an emblem of the deity Kujaku Myo-o, and able to heal Kakyosai, Shokasai, Kakosai Shori and others. They HEIGHT inro 7.3 CM, DIAMETER manju 3.5 CM snake bites. The magnificent tail, which spreads out over the entire rear side are identifiable by the unusual stylization of the first Condition: Good condition and is inlaid with mother-of-pearl in different hues, is crafted very gracefully. A character Sho. Provenance: From a German private collection blossoming cherry tree (sakura) is next to the peacock. Tamaki-e with gold, also Spherical, black ojime, possibly lacquer. The gold nashiji both on the interior and exterior. Signature KO-MA KO-RYU ⎌ 㺧 kagamibuta netsuke en suite in an ivory setting with Estimate EUR 1.000,- ⶐ㞛 saku ἄ on the underside. Koma Koryu is one of the most important artists shibuichi, silver, copper and gold shows birds flying Starting price EUR 500,- from the very large Koma clan of lacquer masters, founded in the 17th century. over two hamaguri clams on the sea coast.

LENGTH 7.3 CM HEIGHT inro 9 CM, Condition: Good condition DIAMETER manju 4.7 CM Provenance: From an English private collection Condition: Good condition Provenance: From a French private collection Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 600,- Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-

42 43 70 A THREE CASE LACQUER AND GOLD INRO OF A CELESTIAL DRAGON 71 Lacquer, horn and gold inro. Japan, late 18th century A FOUR CASE LACQUER INRO OF SAGES PLAYING MUSIC A three case inro showing the head of a dragon Lacquer inro. Japan, late 18th to first half of 19th century tatsu in the center of the main side. The dragon 73 is carved from partly transparent yellow brown A four case inro showing several bearded sages on a A THREE CASE LACQUER AND GOLD INRO OF A horn and attached to the inro, with the gilding on terrace veiled in clouds, chatting and playing music. PALACE GARDEN SCENE the background shining through. The dragon is They are wearing Chinese garments, the musical instru- Lacquer, horn and gold inro, lacquer ojime. Japan, surrounded by black clouds and flickering flames. ments played are the sho ‘mouth organ’ and koto zither. late 18th century The rear side shows the dragon’s scaled body. The All depictions in brilliant black roironuri with incised de- lower and top sides show clouds in the shape of tails. The base or background as well as the interior have 72 A finely rounded three case inro depicting five the nyoi, the mythical longevity mushroom. Gold a reddish color. Cloud spirals on the top and bottom. A THREE CASE LACQUER AND GOLD INRO OF sages carved from partly transparent, yellow- nashiji on the interior. Spherical ojime made from orange glass, kagamibu- A STONE LANTERN AND PINE brown to dark-brown horn on a large terrace. ta netsuke in wood setting with black lacquer, two hehe Lacquer and gold inro with mother-of-pearl inlays. Everything else in relief is lacquer in takamaki-e, HEIGHT 6.6 CM engraved on the ‘mirror cover’. Hehe are two immortal Japan, late 18th to early 19th century including decorations, blossoms, a blossoming tree, Condition: Good condition ‘lucky boys‘, their names (He and He) can be translated a banana tree and decorative rocks as well as the Provenance: From a French private collection as ‘immortals of harmony and union’, for that reason A rectangular three case inro with shiny black balustrade of the terrace with character Wan, the they are known as gods of marriage. Signed KA-SHIN ␴ roinuri on both the interior and exterior. One side svastika meaning a long life. Very fine gold painting Estimate EUR 400,- 䛇 and Kao (see note). shows an ishidoro (stone lantern) next to gnarled and gold nashiji, which is also on the interior. The Starting price EUR 200,- roots and the trunk of a pine tree. The other side ojime has a slightly flattened ovoid shape and is HEIGHT inro 7.6 CM, DIAMETER netsuke 4.5 CM shows another piece of this trunk. Branches and made from lacquer. Condition: Good condition, worn pine needles are painted gold and almost flat, with Provenance: From a French private collection the leaves around the floor in part slightly raised. HEIGHT 6.8 CM Three circular inlays with mother-of-pearl in the Condition: Very good condition Note: The first characterġ␴ in the signature is Chi- lantern and trunk. The abbreviated signature Sosho Provenance: From a French private collection nese He, and refers to one of the two boys, the artist is unidentifiable. Old label “Collection of Arthur Kay name means ‘true harmony’. [or Ray]” with number. Estimate EUR 400,- Spherical ojime with leaf relief, netsuke of a saru Starting price EUR 200,- Estimate EUR 400,- mask showing a human face with monkey-like Starting price EUR 200,- features, also called mashi. Signature on the back.

HEIGHT inro 5.9 CM, HEIGHT mask 3.9 CM Condition: Good general condition, expected wear to lacquer, some cracks Good general condition, minor wear to lacquer German descriptions and further images of all lots at: www.zacke.at Provenance: From a French private collection Estimate EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 250,-

44 45 76 77 A FOUR CASE LACQUER AND GOLD INRO BY A THREE CASE LACQUER AND GOLD KAJIKAWA OF FOXES INRO OF TWO SAGES Lacquer and gold inro, horn ojime with inlays. Lacquer, gold and horn inro, wood and Japan, 19th century metal kagamibuta. Japan, 19th century

A four case inro showing a group of foxes on one A three case inro that shows Taoist side. These are on their way to the main temple of beings on either side. Both in long the deity Inari, the god of rice, who was worshipped Chinese robes and bearded, one with in ancient Japan. The Shinto Inari shrines were very a crane and a svastika symbolizing popular. The other side shows a part of the temple longevity. On the other side, the sage gate. Gold takamaki-e with gold ikakeji, gold is seated and enjoying the view. Both nashiji on the interior. Signature KAJI-KAWA 㡞 ⶅ figures carved in horn and attached on saku ἄ on the underside. The Kajikawa were one the inro. Lacquer, partly in relief and of the best-known families of lacquer masters in with gold nashiji. The short sides are Japan. Ovoid ojime made from horn with inlays. decorative.

HEIGHT inro 8.8 CM HEIGHT 6.4 CM Condition: Good general condition; some wear and Condition: Good condition scratches to lacquer Provenance: From a French private Provenance: From a French private collection collection

Estimate EUR 500,- Estimate EUR 400,- 74 75 Starting price EUR 250,- Starting price EUR 200,- AN UNUSUAL LACQUER AND GOLD INRO OF A FOUR CASE LACQUER AND GOLD INRO BY BLOSSOMS AND SCROLL PAINTINGS CHOKOKUSEN ... OF BLOSSOMS Lacquer and gold inro with mother-of-pearl inlays. Lacquer, gold and silver inro. Japan, early 19th century Japan, late 18th to early 19th century This four case inro shows masterfully crafted depictions A very finely executed, unusual depiction. The of various blossoms like peony, chrysanthemum, smooth background has a blackish red-brown color morning glory, lily, plum, cherry and others in ten in imitation of tortoise shell, with scrolls or scroll circular reserves. Some of these are painted around paintings in takamaki-e with gold and especially the edges of the inro, with the areas in between with gold kirigane on both sides, below branches of gold nashiji over roinuri and more gold nashiji on the a prunus tree with blossoms, some inlaid with interior. Partly illegible signature CHO-KOKU-SEN 攟 察 luminescent mother-of-pearl. Very beautiful gold ⶅ ... saku ἄ and red seal with character O 㜱 on the nashiji on the interior. underside.

HEIGHT 6.4 CM HEIGHT 7.2 CM Condition: Good condition Condition: Good condition Provenance: From an American private collection Provenance: From a French private collection

Estimate EUR 600,- Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 300,- Starting price EUR 400,-

46 47 78 AN IVORY OKIMONO OF TOADS ON A LOTUS LEAF Ivory okimono. Japan, Meiji period

The toad (gama) is a popular motif in netsuke art, as it is related with several tales. The best known is the one about Sennin Gama, the sacred hermit and immortal whose companion was a toad. This okimono presents a dense, lively composition with many figures. Seven toads in different sizes, the younger ones with very smooth skin, on a lotus leaf. A lotus seed capsule in between the animals. Radial veins of the lotus leaf on the underside. 79 AN IVORY LETTER HEIGHT 3.2 CM, WIDTH 8 CM OPENER WITH Condition: Good general condition, with some wear and age cracks MONKEY, TURTLE, Provenance: From an English private collection FROG, CRAB Ivory letter opener. Estimate EUR 500,- Japan, Meiji period Starting price EUR 250,- This letter opener’s handle is figurally 80 carved with great A JAPANESE humor. A frog on STAGHORN PIPE CASE the bottom, carrying Stag antler. Japan, 19th a grown monkey (!) century playing the flute on its back. A turtle curiously This kiseruzutsu shows peeks down from a a figural scene in relief rock above the monkey. on one side. Three A smaller turtle is differently clothed men seen on the rear side, next to a rock, two of fanning itself. A frog is them wearing hats, holding a bamboo stalk one holding his hand in the air, with another up towards a bird. The frog on top holding a other side shows very fan. A crab and fish are beautifully carved peony also depicted. (botan) blossoms. Very high-quality carving with 81 signature. LENGTH 32 CM AN IVORY OKIMONO BY KYOCHI OF DARUMA Condition: Ivory okimono. Japan, Meiji period Excellent condition LENGTH 17 CM Provenance: The famous father of Zen Buddhism in China, who sailed to Japan on a single Condition: From an Austrian reed and is called Bodaidaruma or Daruma there, standing in a long robe, arms Good condition, private collection together in front of his chest and holding a hossu, which he used to ward off the top part missing flies during his nine years of meditation, in his hands. Daruma was of Indian Provenance: Estimate EUR 400,- descent, a piercing look on his bearded face, rings on his ears. The pattern on From an Austrian Starting price EUR 200,- the garment is a variant of the Chinese xiangcao vine. Brownish coloration of private collection the ivory. Signature KYO-CHI Ṕ 㱣 and Kao on the underside.

Estimate EUR 400,- HEIGHT 19.7 CM Starting price EUR 200,- Condition: Excellent condition, fine staining Provenance: From a French private collection

Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-

48 49 83 A WOOD OKIMONO BY JIGO OF A MONKEY STIRRING MISO Wood okimono. Japan, Meiji period

The monkey (saru) is seated with a large bowl between its legs. It is using a pestle to stir miso, consisting of rice, fermented bean pulp and salt. The monkey is wearing a jacket with a round ivory button inlaid in the rear shoulder area. The fur is carved very accurately, the eyes are inlaid. Black coloration of the wood. Signature JI-GO 俛 ⾊ on the underside of the bowl. 84 HEIGHT 8.6 CM A WOOD OKIMONO BY ROKKO OF EBISU Condition: Good general condition; one eye lost Wood okimono. Japan, Meiji period and replaced with wax Provenance: From an American private collection An excellently crafted, humorous work made from yellow tsuge wood in the style of Hokyodo Itsumin! Ebisu is the god of fishermen and merchants; his characteristic Estimate EUR 800,- features include his cap and the Tai fish. He is also called the ‘laughing god’, which Starting price EUR 400,- is what this okimono expresses in a lively manner. The fish is almost as large as Ebisu himself and putting up a tough fight. Probably just a tussle for fun, the deity is 82 laughing gleefully. Signature RO-KO ℕ 䓚 on the underside at the end of the robe. A WOOD OKIMONO BY JIGO OF A MONKEY WITH CHILD AND MASK HEIGHT 8.3 CM, LENGTH 11.8 CM Wood okimono. Japan, Meiji period Condition: Very good condition Provenance: From an American private collection The monkey mother is sitting and holding her child in one hand and a horned oni mask in the other, which scares the little Estimate EUR 1.200,- monkey who is trying to escape with a pained expression. Dense Starting price EUR 600,- and lively fur pattern; the facial expressions, ears and paws are also carved very skillfully. Signature JI-GO 俛 ⾊ on ivory on the underside.

HEIGHT 10.3 CM Condition: Good general condition; one crack through the chest of the larger monkey Provenance: From an American private collection

Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-

50 51 85 87 A SOLID IRON ‘OKIMONO’ FIGURE OF A A DELICATE HIRADO PORCELAIN HORSE SHOKI AND ONI OKIMONO Iron. Japan, Edo period 17th century Hirado porcelain ware. Japan, Edo period, 18th century An old figure with a nice patina, depicting a determined, grinning shoki holding a A sensitive depiction of a monochrome white squirming oni by his loin cloth. Particularly hirado horse, only the eyes with hirado-blue amusing how the artist captured the painting. The hair is finely incised, its ears are movement of the upside down oni with his slightly raised and the naturalistic expression legs flying around. Good detail to the robes is fully accomplished. The beautiful, white, of the demon queller. Perhaps never intended uneven and soft glaze hints at an early work. as an okimono, however certainly fulfilling all The belly and hooves unglazed. characteristics of such. Dimension: HEIGHT 20 CM Dimension: HEIGHT 32 CM Condition: Good condition with only one Condition: Good, complete condition with minor repair to the right ear honest, old patina Provenance: From the estate of Russel Provenance: From an important Austrian Roberts, opera singer and collector, Vienna private collection, acquired before 1930 Estimate EUR 1.200,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,-

86 88 A BRONZE OKIMONO OF A SITTING APE A PORCELAIN OKIMONO OF A COCKEREL BY IKKO Porcelain. Japan, Taisho period Bronze. Japan, Meiji period Beautifully accomplished, with a fierce Expressive and lively depiction of a downward looking expression in a light blue trained ape. Artistically and regarding its celadon glaze. The hair work is masterfully craftsmanship, a masterpiece. The ape saru incised, from the breast plumage to the belongs to a sarumawashi (ape-tamer), who elaborately feathered openwork tail. With taught him how to box. This is suggested by impressed seal: Kato Keizan I (1879 – 1962). position of the animal’s hands, but also by The artist’s work is regularly shown in the its clothing, which bears two hyotan (bottle- Kyoto Museum of Modern Art. With original, gourds) in low-relief in the shoulder area. The inscribed box. facial expression, fur and folds in the clothing rendered very realistic and vivid. Almost black Dimension: HEIGHT 20 CM patina on the yellow bronze. Signed on the Condition: Mint condition underside in an oval reserve, IKKO. Provenance: From an Austrian private collection HEIGHT 18.3 CM Condition: Good condition Estimate EUR 1.000,- Provenance: From a German private collection Starting price EUR 500,-

Estimate EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 250,-

52 53 SIGNATURES OF NETSUKE AND OKIMONO

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8109 11 12 83 84 86 88

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54 55 IMPRINT

PUBLISHER GALERIE ZACKE 1070 WIEN (VIENNA) Mariahilferstraße 112 AUSTRIA

Tel (0043-1) 532 04 52 Fax +20 Email: offi[email protected]

EDITOR Lukas Zacke

EXPERTS Wolfmar Zacken

PHOTOGRAPHY Georg Bodenstein

DESIGN (GRAPHICS) Gregor Zinggl

ASSISTANCE Marion Schor Irene M. Zacke

TRANSLATIONS Maximilian Zacke

PRINTING Gröbner Druck Oberwart

WEBSITE www.zacke.at

© Copyright GALERIE ZACKE Reproduction forbidden Errors excepted

56 1070 VIENNA AUSTRIA MARIAHILFERSTRASSE 112 Tel +43 1 532 04 52 Fax +20 E-mail offi[email protected]

www.zacke.at