Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono
AUCTION APRIL, 27TH 2019 AUCTION Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono
April, 27th 2019 at 2.00pm CET CATALOG NE0419
VIEWING www.zacke.at
IN OUR GALLERY Preview: 15.04. - 27.04.2019 Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm Day of the sale: 10am - 2pm and by appointment
GALERIE ZACKE MARIAHILFERSTRASSE 112 1070 VIENNA AUSTRIA
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2 3 ABSENTEE BIDDING FORM 50 YEARS GALLERY ZACKE FOR THE AUCTION Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono NE0419 /. $!4% APRIL 27TH, 2019
,/4 ,/4 4)4,% ")$ ). %52/
HOW TO FIND US ON MARIAHILFERSTRASSE:
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: 2-3 minutes from the U3 station ZIEGLERGASSE
3-5 minutes from the U3/U6 station WESTBAHNHOF
BY CAR: "EST ROUTE TAKE THE 'àRTEL TO THE 7ESTBAHNHOF AND TURN ONTO Mariahilferstraße; house number 112 is just after the Kaiserstraße.
Access is possible by car, with loading and unloading all day as well as short term parking. Multiple garages directly nearby
ADDRESS: Mariahilferstr. 112 1070 Vienna STAIRCASE 1, 2nd &,//2 %,%6!4/2
Further images of all lots at: www.zacke.at
4 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dear Collectors of Netsuke,
SENNIN AND CHINESE IMMORTALS – Page 8 It is a great pleasure to present to you our first netsuke catalog of the year – two more will follow – one in June ,OTS n featuring netsuke and a fine selection of Japanese art and another most likely in November, with a viewing possibility of GODS AND BUDDHISM – Page 18 select pieces during the INS convention in Paris. ,OTS n The immensely positive reception to our last catalog has also enabled us to source some very good private collections SHUNGA NETSUKE – Page 32 in the past half year. The most notable ones are from a collector from London noted in the catalog as ‘The 40-Year ,OTS n Collection of a London Gentleman’ and of course a fine collection of netsuke that were estimated by Sotheby’s in TOKYO SCHOOL – Page 40 AND lG &OR THE PIECES FROM THAT COLLECTION IT WILL BE RELATIVELY EASY TO OBTAIN #)4%3 LICENSES AS THEY ARE ,OTS proven to have been in the European Union before 1972. Please see the ‘Auction information’ page for more details on ANIMALS OF THE JAPANESE ZODIAC – Page 46 the possibility of obtaining CITES licenses for the ivory netsuke in this catalog. The rest of the catalog comprises fine ,OTS n Netsuke from various private collections throughout Europe. SCENES FROM DAILY LIFE – Page 108 ,OTS n FOREIGNERS – Page 114 ,OTS n STAG ANTLER AND OTHER RARE MATERIALS – Page 124 ,OTS n OTHER ANIMALS – Page 152 ,OTS n MYTHS, LEGENDS AND HISTORICAL FIGURES – Page 178 ,OTS n MYTHICAL BEINGS – Page 189 ,OTS n SHOKI AND ONI – Page 203 ,OTS n STILL LIFE – Page 212 ,OTS n lG MANJU NETSUKE – Page 216 ,OTS n Our catalog is divided into 21 different categories which are detailed in the table of contents on the next page. KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE – Page 218 The most notable of these is ‘Stag Antler and Other Rare Materials’, a collection of carefully selected pieces made ,OTS n from materials which will perhaps become a focal point for many collectors, in the future. That is not to say that the CONTEMPORARY NETSUKE – Page 222 magnificent selection of ivory pieces in this catalog should be neglected. Instead our ‘legal materials’ selection should ,OTS n simply provide an alternative and highlight the power and beauty of a somewhat overlooked field in netsuke art. MASK NETSUKE – Page 224 ,OTS n It is true to say that we were spoiled with incredible quality and most importantly variety in our recently acquired LACQUER NETSUKE – Page 230 collections, and this is why we have curated a diverse netsuke catalog, for beginners and scholars alike, so that we can ,OTS n together delve into the incredibly rich world of Japanese culture – in the form of little carvings that fit into the palms of our hands. Of course, for proper study of the field, we have included an index of carvers found in this publication, OJIME – Page 234 ,OTS n INCLUDING ALL SIGNATURES PAGE n INRO – Page 235 ,OTS n Lukas Zacke SAGEMONO & OKIMONO – Page 243 ,OTS n detail of lot 169
6 7 SENNIN AND CHINESE IMMORTALS
1 2 3 A POWERFUL TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF CHINNAN SENNIN A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF CHINNAN SENNIN A RARE IVORY NETSUKE DEPICTING SENNIN BUKAN ZENSHI WITH DRAGON AND TAMING STICK Unsigned, wood netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke *APAN TH CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, late 18th to early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Chinnan Sennin is depicted seated holding his vessel, which This ivory netsuke of a Sennin with a very large tiger, most likely Sennin are immortal mountain hermits who have human form he used to conjure the dragon lying next to him, up high. He depicting Bukan Zenshi, a Chinese priest of the 7th century. The however possess magical powers. Chinnan Sennin, who is has a grim facial expression while the dragon has a somewhat Sennin is dressed in Chinese robes and is leaning on the tiger and depicted in this early ivory netsuke, has the magical power mischievous one. The dragon was up to no good and Chinnan smiling, while the large tiger is looking downwards, with inlaid eyes, of conjuring a dragon from his pot-shaped vessel which he IS FED UP AND CALLING HIM BACK INTO HIS VESSEL $ARK PATINA OF and a powerful expression. His fur coat is incised, and the tail is always carries with him and which is his defining attribute. the wood and small himotoshi on the underside. curling up the front. Natural himotoshi. He is holding the vessel in front of his body and the dragon is emerging from it, its well-carved scaly body, wrapping around HEIGHT 2.9 CM, LENGTH 4.2 CM HEIGHT 4 CM THE BACK OF HIS NECK AND LEANING ON HIS SHOULDER "OTH THE Sennin and the dragon have powerful expressions, looking Condition: Very good condition Condition: One paw of the tiger has been restored very well, upwards into the heavenly skies. He is barefoot and wearing the Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman however visible due to the discoloration of the material, a few age characteristic Sennin mugwort leaf cloak with beautifully carved cracks, otherwise good condition flowing folds. Interestingly, he is holding a large taming stick in Estimate EUR 1.000,- Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman his other hand, which he presumably uses to perform tricks with Starting price EUR 500,- his trusty dragon companion. Very good and irregular himotoshi Literature comparison: Compare to another Sennin with tiger in on the backside, which has a stunning honey patina. very similar style in Zacke, Japanische Netsuke, Inro und andere Sagemono – Austellung 1986, no. 88. HEIGHT 8.8 CM Estimate EUR 1.500,- Condition: Excellent condition with a beautiful patina Starting price EUR 750,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
8 9 5 6 7 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF THE SENNIN TOBOSAKU A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN ATTRIBUTED TO YOSHINAGA AN IVORY NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN WITH BY MASAMORI Unsigned, attributed to Yoshinaga, ivory netsuke LARGE TOAD "Y -ASAMORI IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Kyoto, late 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD A large and expressive netsuke, unsigned but certainly by Yoshinaga or a pupil. Gama Tobosaku was a crafty man and is said to have Sennin is seated with a protruding belly and mugwort leaf cloak with finely engraved A charming ivory netsuke depicting Gama Sennin, been reincarnated six times. After visiting the fairy cloud patterns. He is grinning from ear to ear as he holds up a bulky toad. The eyes of dressed in a mugwort leaf cloak and with a bag Xiwangmu, he stole one of her immortality peaches the pair are inlaid in horn. The underside showing the well-carved feet and one hand draped over his shoulder, holding a large toad by the and became immortal. This netsuke shows him which he uses to support himself, as well as the himotoshi which leads to the other ‘hand’. The bulky toad with huge inlaid eyes of dark 4 dancing gleefully with a large peach and his robes are one in the back. Gama Sennin is derived from the Chinese immortal Liu Hai who is horn has a slightly dumbfounded expression, while A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF A SENNIN WITH BOY AND PEACH finely decorated with cloud patterns. The reverse with depicted with his ‘three-legged money toad’. the Sennin is gleefully smiling. Himotoshi through Unsigned, ivory netsuke a beautiful honey patina and the himotoshi, one of the back. Japan, Kyoto, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD them cleverly hidden in his sleeve fold. The signature HEIGHT 3.9 CM, LENGTH 5.4 CM MASAMORI in a rounded reserve. HEIGHT 4.2 CM An early and unusual netsuke of a Sennin, possibly depicting Tobosaku Condition: The ivory is worn with some age cracks - generally, in very good and Sennin, since the boy in front of him is holding a peach, though it could also HEIGHT 4.4 CM complete condition, good yellow patina on the underside Condition: The sleeve of the Sennin with a chip, be a reference to the Sennin being an immortal, as the peach is a symbol Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman otherwise good condition for this. The Sennin has is head tilted upwards to his left and is screaming, Condition: There is some glue residue around the 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION grasping his hair with his right hand – the movement of the composition area of the peach, which is carved separately and Auction comparison: A very similar netsuke from Yoshinaga, however with a brilliantly captured by the artist. He wears a Mugwort leaf cloak with long fixed with a screw - good condition, with a very LARGER VARIATION OF THE TOAD WAS SOLD AT "ONHAMS &INE *APANESE !RT )NCLUDING 4WO Estimate EUR 800,- flowing robes. Himotoshi through the back. attractive patina -ASTERPIECES BY +ITAOJI 2OSANJIN ,ONDON .OVEMBER LOT Starting price EUR 400,- Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Another netsuke by Yoshinaga, with the same style of toad, however of lesser quality HEIGHT 4.4 CM Gentleman WAS SOLD AT "ONHAMS &INE *APANESE !RT ,ONDON .OVEMBER LOT
Condition: Excellent condition, very smooth and beautiful patina Estimate EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 1.500,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION FORMERLY IN THE 7ALTER "EHRENS Starting price EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 750,- COLLECTION *OLYS CATALOGUE NO ILLUSTRATED PL 8,6 WITHOUT AN identifying number)
Estimate EUR 2.500,- Starting price EUR 1.250,-
10 11 8 AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF A CHINESE SAGE ON A LARGE BAG Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
An early netsuke of a Chinese sage holding a fan and lying on a large bag, which probably belongs to Hotei. The man wears fine flowing robes and has sensitively carved facial features with a smooth, bald head and a prominent moustache. Excellent patina, and large himotoshi through the under- and backside.
HEIGHT 4 CM
Condition: Very good condition, with a honey patina and few expected age cracks Provenance: Austrian private collection
Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-
10 11 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A CHINESE SAGE AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF A CHINESE Unsigned, ivory netsuke IMMORTAL WITH A FLUTE Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD A man standing on a large, rectangular, decoratively executed base, with his right hand on his right ear to A very finely carved scene showing a Chinese immortal hear better, his facial expression also showing heightened dressed in Chinese garments, holding a flute in his hand attentiveness. He is wearing a Chinese garment and a and leaning with one arm on a table with four curved $AOIST CAP ON HIS HEAD HE COULD BE ONE OF THE 3EVEN legs. Possibly the figure is the Chinese hermaphroditic 3AGES OF THE "AMBOO 'ROVE NAMELY Keiko, who is immortal Lan Caihe, who was often depicted holding a depicted with this hand position. The large pedestal mUTE $ESPITE THE SMALL SIZE OF THIS WORK THE ARTIST WAS beside him, possibly a box, is decorated with a landscape able to precisely execute the garment folds, facial features and plants. Himotoshi in the sage’s back. and even fingers and toes. Rectangular base with central himotoshi. HEIGHT 5 CM HEIGHT 3.5 CM Condition: Good condition with an attractive patina; age 9 cracks Condition: Good condition, with expected age cracks and AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECLINING CHINESE IMMORTAL LENGTH 7 CM Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London excellent, used patina WITH A FAN Gentleman Provenance: Austrian private estate Unsigned, ivory netsuke Condition: Very good conditon with Japan, late 18th to early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD few age cracks and beautiful patina Estimate EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 800,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Starting price EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 400,- An early netsuke of a man lying straight and sprawled out, resting his head on one arm and holding a fan in the other hand. He has one Estimate EUR 1.000,- eye closed, while the other is opened just a tiny bit, as he awakens. Starting price EUR 500,- His long garment with wide sleeves is of a Chinese courtly style. As there is a hyotan on the reverse, this is probably an immortal as they keep their life elixir in such a vessel. This hyotan also forms the himotoshi. The facial expression but also the light hue of the ivory and fine polish make this a very noble netsuke.
12 13 12 13 14 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A TAOIST IMMORTAL ON AN IVORY NETSUKE OF ROSHI ON WATER BUFFALO A FINE NETSUKE OKIMONO OF A CHINESE IMMORTAL WITH MYTHICAL HORSEBACK SIGNED MASANAO Unsigned, ivory netsuke DOG BY TEIMIN Signed Masanao, ivory netsuke Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD "Y 4EIMIN IVORY OKIMONO NETSUKE Japan, Kyoto, late 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD The Taoist philosopher and immortal Roshi IN #HINESE Laozi, A fine, compact and ideally shaped netsuke depicting a bearded meaning literally ‘old master’) lived in the 6th century and is $EPICTING AN IMMORTAL LADY WITH HUGE SLEEVES AND mOWING #HINESE GARMENTS Chinese immortal, wearing a Taoist cap and holding a scroll, while regarded as the founder of Taoism. In this netsuke he is shown holding a fan and with heavenly garlands surrounding her. Seated on a Chinese mounting a horse. The horse is shown with its legs tucked tightly riding a water buffalo, as according to legend he left China for the table next to her is a little whimsical dog, quite mythical in its appearance with together and looking downwards, as if it was navigating a narrow WEST IN THIS WAY $URING HIS JOURNEY ON THE MOUNTAIN PASS Xiangu, a bushy tail and a flowing mane, raising one paw up high and letting out a mountain pass, which could mean that the immortal is Roshi he crossed paths with the border guard who encouraged him to hearty roar. The facial features of the lady are crafted sensitively and she has the Laozi), however the latter rode on a water buffalo. More likely write the famous Daodeijing. The water buffalo has his legs very appearance of a fairy, reminiscent of the Queen mother of the west, or Seiobo in this netsuke depicts Konfuzius, known as Koshi in Japan. The robes closely together, with a hunchback and is looking downwards, Japanese. Signature on the base in a wavy reserve TEIMIN. of the immortal are finely incised with cloud patterns. ‘Chimney indicating the narrow mountain pass. Roshi is seated at the very himotoshi’ through the underside and backside showing some wear top, wearing a Taoist cap, gently smiling and looking up into the HEIGHT 6.3 CM and signature MASANAO. Probably a pupil of Masanao from Kyoto. heavenly skies. ‘Chimney himotoshi’ through the underside and The piece also shows some influence from Yoshinaga of Kyoto. backside. Condition: A small section of the end of one garland which extends to the floor has been reattached - otherwise pristine condition HEIGHT 7 CM HEIGHT 7 CM Provenance: Michael Tomkinson collection no. 477, with old label
Condition: Very good condition with an appealing patina Condition: A section of the rope is lost between the two hands of Literature comparison: Possibly the same depiction labelled as a tall ivory netsuke Provenance: European private collection Roshi, some age cracks - otherwise good condition OF A @FOREIGN LADY WITH DOG IS IN THE COLLECTION OF THE ,!#-! !# 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM FORMERLY IN THE "USHELL COLLECTION Estimate EUR 3.000,- 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO Starting price EUR 1.500,- ex Fletcher collection Estimate EUR 2.500,- Starting price EUR 1.250,- Estimate EUR 3.000,- Starting price EUR 1.500,-
14 15 17 A TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF CHOKARO SENNIN Unsigned, ivory netsuke *APAN TH CENTURY %DO PERIOD
Chokaro Sennin, recognizable by the gigantic gourd attached to his back, is smiling and looking upwards to his right and holding his very large flowing beard in his hand. He is wearing a mugwort leaf cloak with flowing folds. Himotoshi in the backside.
HEIGHT 8.8 CM
Condition: The ivory slightly worn, minor age cracks, very attractive yellowish patina on the backside Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-
2 views
15 16 18 A GOOD TALL IVORY NETSUKE DEPICTING TEKKAI A RARE STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF IKKAKU SENNIN WITH SENDA AN AMUSING IVORY NETSUKE OF CHOKARO SENNIN BUNIN SENNIN WITH HIS HORSE Unsigned, ivory netsuke Unsigned, stag antler netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, late 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
Tekkai Sennin is depicted holding his characteristic iron A rare stag antler netsuke of Ikkaku Sennin carrying Senda Bunin ALSO An amusing variant of the Chokaro Sennin motif cane and holding a strand of hair in his other hand, looking KNOWN AS THE LADY FROM "ENARES DERIVED FROM THE .OH PLAY TITLED @Ikkaku showing the immortal riding on top of his magic upwards into the heavenly sky. His expression is crafted Sennin’ WRITTEN BY +OMPARU :EMBO -OTOYASU n Ikkaku gourd, from which a horse emerges. The Sennin very vividly with inlaid pupils of black horn. His mouth is Sennin IS A ONE HORNED HERMIT WHO HAS CAPTURED THE $RAGON KINGS AND is carved expressively, his robes flowing and he is slightly opened with visible teeth and he is smiling gently. kept them from letting rain fall from the sky. In the Noh-drama he is exclaiming, as he is being dragged by the galloping He is depicted barefoot and wearing a mugwort leaf cloak, seduced by the beautiful lady Senda Bunin and eventually loses all his horse, of which only the front section can be seen. with a double gourd attached to his obi. Tekkai Sennin is power, thus freeing the dragon kings. In this netsuke he is depicted The ivory bearing a good color and patina and with derived from the Chinese immortal Li Tieguai and is known carrying the lady on his back, symbolizing the power she has over him. His large irregular himotoshi on the underside. to have blown out his soul in order to travel into the heaven expression is quite grim as he is using both hands to hold her on his back, and meet the philosopher Lao Zi to have a chat. Himotoshi WHILE SHE LOOKS RATHER JOYOUS "OTH OF THEM ARE WEARING MUGWORT LEAF HEIGHT 3.2 CM, LENGTH 6.4 CM through the back and cleverly hidden in the sleeve fold. cloaks, typical of Sennin, incised with cloud-patterns. Good and irregular "EAUTIFUL HONEY PATINA ON THE BACKSIDE himotoshi on the reverse. Condition: The right hand chipped, minor age cracks - generally, in good condition with an HEIGHT 9.2 CM HEIGHT 9.8 CM appealing patina Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Condition: The walking stick with a break through the Condition: The patina is slightly worn, and one foot is repaired with ivory - Gentleman middle, minor age cracks otherwise good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 600,- Estimate EUR 1.200,- Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 500,-
16 17 GODS AND BUDDHISM
19 22 AN UNUSUAL IVORY AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF HEIGHT 3.9 CM NETSUKE OF HOTEI A CHINESE BOY ON HOTEI’S LAUGHING AND A BOY SACK Condition: Good condition, with BY YASUHIDE Unsigned, ivory netsuke very appealing honey patina and "Y 9ASUHIDE IVORY NETSUKE Japan, 18th century few expected age cracks Japan, 19th century, Edo period Provenance: Austrian private A very early netsuke depicting collection, formerly acquired at a Chinese boy or karako, his Galerie Zacke in the 1990s A particularly humorous facial features extensively worn, netsuke showing the gleefully RECLINING ON A SACK fukuro) – an Estimate EUR 600,- laughing, fat-bellied Hotei allusion to the lucky god Hotei - Starting price EUR 300,- lying comfortably on his and holding a leaf-shaped fan in giant bag containing treasure one hand, on a strikingly crafted takaramono). This bag, which base. Very pronounced, fine honey is larger than Hotei himself, is patina. Large himotoshi through being pulled by a very small the base. A very well-rounded karako who is clearly having composition. a hard time. Large himotoshi on the underside, signed 9!35()$% koku no kore CARVED BY WITHIN A LEAF shaped reserve. 23 A VERY RARE 17TH CENTURY edges smoothed from wear. LENGTH 6.6 CM IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO $EPICTED ARE TWO #HINESE BOYS CHINESE BOYS WITH HOTEI’S their facial expressions executed Condition: The patina worn SACK very much in the style of the Ming- with a few age cracks – good Unsigned, ivory netsuke dynasty, dressed in Chinese robes and complete condition Japan, 17th century, Edo period and holding a fan together above a 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE tied sack – an allusion to the lucky collection deity Hotei IN #HINESE Budai). This netsuke shows a popular Estimate EUR 600,- theme, adopted from China, HEIGHT 3.5, LENGTH 4.6 CM Starting price EUR 300,- and used for some of the earliest Japanese netsuke which derived Condition: Worn condition, very from Chinese toggles. The next appealing patina, age cracks and catalog no. 24 shows the same the fan is slightly chipped 20 21 motif, though slightly later and Provenance: Austrian private AN IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI PLAYING KAMIFUKI AN IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI AND A BOY BY smaller. The present netsuke collection AND A KARAKO BY MINZAN MASATOSHI shows a very deep patina, several "Y -INZAN IVORY NETSUKE "Y -ASATOSHI IVORY NETSUKE age cracks and large and well Estimate EUR 1.000,- Japan, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Tokyo, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD hollowed-out himotoshi, the Starting price EUR 500,-
A relatively small netsuke of Hotei seated on the A small, very charming netsuke showing Hotei in a Chinese ground, bald and as always with a naked chest and garment, barefoot and with a stick over his shoulders, to 24 belly. He is looking upwards at a piece of paper stuck WHICH HIS CHARACTERISTIC SACK WITH TREASURE takaramono) is AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF a characteristic attribute of Hotei. to his forehead and is bringing his lips forward to blow attached on one side. A small boy hangs in a cloth attached TWO CHINESE BOYS AND THE Himotoshi through the bag with the paper away, playing the game of kamifuki. A small on the other side. A dense and lively composition showing BAG OF HOTEI a large opening on the underside, karako is standing beside him pointing and pulling considerable wear with a fine patina. Small himotoshi on Unsigned, ivory netsuke very good patina, ideally rounded on one of the lucky god’s ears. An unusual and rare the reverse, signed MASATOSHI on the sack in a worn wavy Japan, mid-18th century, shape. subject. Signature MINZAN, a pupil from the school of reserve. Masatoshi was a student of Chikuyosai Tomochika. %DO PERIOD Tomochika, and small himotoshi on the underside. HEIGHT 2.8 CM HEIGHT 3.9 CM Two karako are leaning on the (%)'(4 #- 7)$4( #- bag of the lucky god Hotei, which Condition: Good condition, wear Condition: Good condition with expected wear, some red CONTAINS TREASURE takaramono). and age cracks, remnants of red Condition: Very good condition paint residue on the underside The bag has a large spherical paint on the underside Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman shape and is tied up on the top. Provenance: The 40-Year Gentleman The boys, one of them with curly Collection of a London Gentleman Estimate EUR 600,- hair and the other bald, are only Estimate EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 300,- slightly taller than the bag. One of Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 250,- the boys is holding a fan, which is Starting price EUR 300,-
18 19 27 A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI BY MEIKEISAI HOJITSU "Y -EIKEISAI (OJITSU IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Tokyo, mid-19th century, Edo period
Published: Illustrated in the Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in THE !RCHIVES OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART ! &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY George Lazarnick), New York, 1986, page 170.
This netsuke shows the popular Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, as always with naked chest and belly, bald head and bright laugh, with his heavy bag CONTAINING TREASURE takaramono) on his back. A masterfully dense composition, very lively and many precisely executed details, like Hotei’s expression and the garment and sack folds. Hotei is carrying a hyotan on his belt, containing the elixir OF LIFE OR SAKE 3MALL himotoshi on the side through the bag, above the minutely incised signature MEIKEISAI HOJITSU, possibly the most eminent netsuke carver in Tokyo, who died in 1872.
HEIGHT 4 CM
Condition: Excellent condition 25 26 Provenance: The 40-Year Collection AN IVORY NETSUKE OF THREE CHINESE A RARE AND UNUSUAL IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO CHINESE of a London Gentleman BOYS AND A DRUM BOYS AT A PALACE GONG Unsigned, ivory netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke with silver inlay Estimate EUR 1.600,- Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period Japan, late 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Starting price EUR 800,- An early and unusual netsuke of a two-sided gong or drum with a Two boys on a square hollowed base are holding voluminous body on a massive, decoratively crafted frame with fluted up a third boy beating a drum. All boys are FEET "OTH STRIKING AREAS ARE INLAID WITH SILVER 4WO BOYS OR karako, executed as karako with small tufts of hair on are standing on either side, each raising an arm to touch the top of otherwise bald heads. Himotoshi through several the drum, one of them holding a mallet and both wearing full-length opeings of the base and under the boys. garments. Fine patina, natural himotoshi through the frame.
HEIGHT 4.5 CM HEIGHT 4.6 CM
Condition: The ivory worn, few age cracks, Condition: Good condition, the ivory worn with few age cracks and a plugged nerve channel on the bottom, generally good patina in good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Estimate EUR 800,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 300,-
20 21 30 AN IVORY NETSUKE OKIMONO OF A BOY IN HOTEI’S BAG Signed in seal form Tanaka, ivory netsuke-okimono Japan, Tokyo, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD
Hotei’s characteristic bag on a flat oval base, with large oval openings on the front and back. A laughing boy is peeking through one of the openings and holding a fan, the typical attribute of the lucky god Hotei, who always carries a bag like this with him and is often accompanied by boys. Fine vine decorations on the bag, which should contain treasure takaramono). Himotoshi on the underside and signed in seal form TANAKA. Tomochika school.
7)$4( #-
Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,-
31 AN UNUSUAL IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI ON A THRONE BY CHIKUSAI "Y #HIKUSAI IVORY NETSUKE Japan, mid-19th CENTURY TO EARLY -EIJI PERIOD
Published: Illustrated in The Meinertzhagen Card Index on .ETSUKE IN THE !RCHIVES OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART ! &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE ,AZARNICK PAGE
28 29 Hotei is one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan, the Shichi Fukujin. A CHARMING IVORY NETSUKE OF A BOY RIDING A CAT AN IVORY SEAL NETSUKE OF HOTEI This work shows him smiling happily as always, with a bald head Unsigned, ivory netsuke The seal reading Masashige, ivory seal netsuke and a naked protruding belly, in this case held in place by a belt. Japan, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD Japan, late 18th – early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Hotei is holding a hand fan and is seated on a Chinese chair with back and arm rests and decorated with peony blossoms as well as a A cheerful boy is seated on a large toy cat with a round head, A very well-rounded composition showing a sleeping Hotei leaning shishi mask on the back. Himotoshi outlined with chrysanthemums staring eyes, a collar and four straight stump legs. The boy on the on a cane. He is depicted bare-chested and his ear lobes are as on the underside, with the signature CHIKUSAI in between. other hand is full of his life, leaning forwards and with a small bag large as ever. This netsuke is an ingyo netsuke, as a large seal is on his belt. Outlined himotoshi on the underside in the cat’s belly. incised on the underside within a frame. Himotoshi in the back. HEIGHT 3.9 CM
HEIGHT 3.7 CM HEIGHT 3 CM Condition: Good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION FORMERLY IN THE -ICHAEL Condition: Excellent condition Condition: Very good patina, many age cracks, good condition 4OMKINSON COLLECTION NOTED IN -#) Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Estimate EUR 800,- Estimate EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 300,-
22 23 32 33 34 35 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF FUKUROKUJU AN IVORY NETSUKE OF FUKUROKUJU SIGNED BY SHIGEMASA A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF JUROJIN WITH BOY AN IVORY NETSUKE OF JUROJIN WITH STAG Unsigned, ivory netsuke Signed by Shigemasa, ivory netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, probably Osaka, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
The name Fuku-roku-ju literally means luck-wealth-longevity. A rather small netsuke of the lucky deity Fukurokuju, depicted with Jurojin, literally “long-living old man”, is one of the Seven Lucky Jurojin, Japanese for “long-lived, old man”, is the god of longevity He can be identified by his extremely elongated head. He has his typical over-exaggeratedly, almost phallic, large forehead. He is Gods and congenial to the prominent Fukurokuju, being bearded and scholarly success. This work shows him laughing, with the a full beard and is wearing a garment that shows mostly floral holding a fan in his right hand and has a quaint facial expression. and having an elongated head, however with a cloth over it and characteristic long beard and elongated head, and holding his decorations. His face is very expressive and the netsuke has a Very fine patina and large himotoshi through the back and carrying a gnarled staff. He is a patron of scholarly success and mount, a deer, in front of him. The placement and small size of the firm, cohesive shape, even slightly ‘primeval’, surely a reference to underside. The bottom with the signature SHIGEMASA. thus has a boy with a scroll on his back beside him. A fine, lively himotoshi, on the underside, suggest this is a netsuke-okimono. longevity. Good himotoshi through the back and underside. AND DENSELY CARVED WORK $ECORATIONS WITH VINES AND LEAVES ON THE HEIGHT 4 CM garment and very appealingly stained, the treatment is reminiscent HEIGHT 5 CM HEIGHT 5.5 CM of the Osaka school. Good himotoshi on the reverse. Condition: Good condition with expected age cracks and fine patina Condition: Worn patina, good condition Condition: The right hand is chipped, otherwise good condition Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman HEIGHT 4.3 CM Provenance: Austrian private estate with a fine patina Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Estimate EUR 600,- Condition: Good condition, expected wear and age cracks Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,- Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Starting price EUR 300,- Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,- Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-
24 25 38 39 36 37 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF DAIKOKU ON A RICE BALE BY RANTEI A SMALL IVORY NETSUKE OF DAIKOKU WITH DAIKON AND AN IVORY NETSUKE OF EBISU WITH SEA BREAM BY ONO RYOMIN A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF JUROJIN AND BENTEN BY "Y 2ANTEI IVORY NETSUKE RAT BY THE TOMOCHIKA SCHOOL "Y 2YOMIN IVORY NETSUKE JORYU Japan, Kyoto, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD "Y 4OMOCHIKA IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Tokyo, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD "Y *ORYU IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Edo, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Daikoku is one of the Shichi Fukujin, the Seven Lucky Gods of The lucky god Ebisu, one of the Shichifukujin 3EVEN ,UCKY 'ODS IS *APAN AND SYMBOLIZES WEALTH HIS ATTRIBUTES ALL SEEN IN THIS WORK Daikokuken, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan and associated depicted here holding down a large tai SEA BREAM WITH BOTH HIS HANDS A rare ivory netsuke of the lucky deity Jurojin sheltering being bales of rice, on which he stands, a magic mallet that is said with wealth and prosperity, is dragging a daikon RADISH BOTH with a very content expression. He has a full beard, well-expressed large Benten under a canopy, who is seated on Jurojin’s stag and to produce anything desired when struck, and a sack of treasure. Daikoku and daikon have the same dai, as in “large”) with a rat earlobes and is wearing a cap with a bowtie on top of it. The tai seems to playing her Biwa. Benten is the only goddess in the group of Himotoshi through the rice bale, which shows a flaming magic pearl nezumi) on top, which is also a symbol of this deity. A very lively, be enjoying himself too, best visible on the underside, as his expression the Shichifukujin and is a symbol for love, poetry and music tama) on the front and reverse, one of which shows the signature dense composition. Natural himotoshi between the legs and radish is quite humorous with a wide smile. The scales and fins are carved very and is probably derived from the Hindu goddess Sarasvati. RANTEI, who was a well-known netsuke master in Kyoto. Very well- leaves, signed TOMOCHIKA within a wavy reserve on the smooth precisely, as are the garments of Ebisu, which are flowing and incised with Benten is quite rarely depicted in netsuke art, and often with carved details in this characterful work. reverse of the daikon. leaves and vines. Note also the very sensitively carved fingers and toes. The Bishamonten, who is even rarer to find. The figural group is ivory is covered in a very attractive stain, the small himotoshi are found carved on a base with an archaistic diaper band incised on the HEIGHT 5.2 CM (%)'(4 #- 7)$4( #- on the reverse and the signature RYOMIN, for Ono Ryomin, is located side and a small central himotoshi on the underside, with the on his left buttock. Ebisu is patron of the fishermen and is also called the signature JORYU located in a rounded reserve. Condition: Very good condition Condition: Very good condition, age crack through the daikon ‘laughing god’. 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION HEIGHT 3.7 CM HEIGHT 3.7 CM Estimate EUR 1.200,- Literature comparison: A very similar netsuke is depicted in The Condition: Good condition, the ivory slightly worn with a Starting price EUR 600,- Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the Archives of the Condition: Only one very minor chip to the edge of the bowtie on the cap, good patina and some red paint residue on the underside "RITISH -USEUM 0ART " &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE otherwise very good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Lazarnick), New York, 1986, page 895. Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Estimate EUR 600,- Estimate EUR 600,- Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 300,- Starting price EUR 300,- Starting price EUR 500,-
26 27 40 41 42 43 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAKAN ON A ROCK BY ZOKOKU AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONK AND REPENTANT ONI AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A POWERFUL NIO ON A SANDAL BY TOMOMASA A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SEVERED NIO HEAD "Y :OKOKU IVORY NETSUKE Unsigned, Tomochika school, ivory netsuke "Y 4OMOMASA IVORY NETSUKE Unsigned, wood netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, mid to late 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Edo, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A figurally well-crafted depiction of a Rakan – an enlightened A compact ivory netsuke of a monk sawing off the horns of a Nio are athletic temple guardians, whose sculptures are seen by the entrance A wood netsuke in the form of a severed head of a "UDDHIST n SEATED ON A WIDE ROCK 4HE HEAD IS EXPRESSIVE IN AN repentant oni WHO IS ACCEPTING THE TEACHINGS OF "UDDHA AND IS GATES OF "UDDHIST TEMPLES )N THE PRESENT NETSUKE HIS TORSO IS NAKED AND VERY Nio. The guardian king’s head is carved expressively, appealing manner, the almost naked torso shows ribs and a swollen begging for forgiveness. Himotoshi through the back; unsigned but muscular, the accentuated face is grim and defensive, and he has a heavenly with glaring eyes, opened mouth and splendidly belly. The Rakan is holding a hyotan containing the elixir of life attributed to the Tomochika school. garland around his shoulders. The nio IS SITTING ON A LARGE SANDAL waraji), as it carved hair tied into a top knot. The underside with in one hand. Large himotoshi through the rock. The signature is was thought that offering a sandal to their sculptures would heal the exhausted the fleshy structure, revealing that this is in fact a REMARKABLE WITH AN ELEPHANT zo) and the character Koku, hence HEIGHT 4.4 CM feet from the long pilgrimages to the temples. The sandal is carved with great ‘real’ Nio and not a sculpture, and angled himotoshi. ZOKOKU. This signature with the animal is known and documented. precision and shows the signature TOMOMASA on the underside. Tomomasa Severed heads from battle were a popular theme in Condition: One hand of the oni has been restored - otherwise good was a student of Tomochika in Tokyo. There are possibilities for natural Japanese art, however the motif of a severed Nio head HEIGHT 4.8 CM condition with an attractive yellowish patina himotoshi, though the carving is more of an okimono. is quite rare. 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Condition: Minor age cracks and wear, the ink from of one of the HEIGHT 3.8, LENGTH 4.9 CM HEIGHT 3.9 CM pupils is worn off - generally, in good condition Estimate EUR 600,- Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Starting price EUR 300,- Condition: Very good condition with an excellent patina Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Provenance: European private collection Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,- Estimate EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 400,-
28 29 44 45 46 47 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF DARUMA WALL-GAZING BY A WOOD NETSUKE OF A MEDITATING DARUMA AN IVORY NETSUKE OF OKAME YAWNING AN IVORY NETSUKE OF OKAME IN FRONT OF A SCREEN BY MASAHIRO Unsigned, wood netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke HIDEMASA "Y -ASAHIRO IVORY NETSUKE Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD "Y (IDEMASA IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Osaka, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Osaka, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Daruma IS THE lRST PATRIARCH OF :EN "UDDHISM THE SON OF AN An amusing depiction of the Shinto goddess Okame, also known as Daruma THE PATRIARCH OF :EN "UDDHISM IS SEATED IN A FULLY CLOSED Indian king who went to China in the 6th century. He spent nine Otafuku, known for performing the first nude dance in Japan. This The Shinto goddess Okame, also known as Otafuku and Oto, ball-shaped position and fully wrapped up in garments, suggesting years gazing at a wall, known as Menpeki Kunen. Although he is work shows her half-nude, with large breasts and a large belly like known for the first nude dance in Japan, is identifiable by her a particularly cold day during his nine years of wall-gazing and also A PERSONIlCATION OF "UDDHIST LAW HE IS OFTEN PARODIED NOT JUST IN Daruma AND YAWNING STRONGLY "OTH ARMS ARE RAISED UP AGAIN IN THE chubby-cheeked, pear-shaped face. Her nude breasts are subtly explaining his grim expression. Daruma is holding a hossu in one netsuke art. This work however shows him in a serious manner, manner of the Zen patriarch Daruma, who surely had to yawn quite crafted in this work. She is seated with one leg tucked up in front of HAND AND HIS EYES ARE INLAID IN BLACK HORN $ETAILS SUCH AS THE BEARD meditating with his legs tightly crossed. The recesses in his face often during his nine years of wall-gazing. Okame depicted in this A SMOOTH FOLDING SCREEN tsuitate) and holding both arms over her and eyebrows are inked. Himotoshi through the back and behind. and especially the garment folds are strikingly colored in black, and way is also often called Onna Daruma h7OMAN Daruma”). Large HEAD !RCHED LOOP FOR CORD SUSPENSION AND SIGNATURE ()$%-!3! Signed MASAHIRO on the base, a pupil of Mitsuhiro. the lightly stained wood has a very appealing patina. Himotoshi himotoshi through the back and behind. probably the son of the elder Hidemasa Chingendo, on the reverse. through the back. HEIGHT 3.4 CM HEIGHT 5.8 CM LENGTH 3.5 CM HEIGHT 4.3 CM Condition: Good condition, one tiny thin hairline on the back of Condition: Good condition, expected age cracks Condition: Very good condition the head Condition: Very good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Estimate EUR 600,- Estimate EUR 600,- Literature comparison: Compare to an almost identical example Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,- Starting price EUR 300,- illustrated in The Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the Starting price EUR 300,- !RCHIVES OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART ! &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE ,AZARNICK PAGE
Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-
30 31 SHUNGA NETSUKE
49 A RARE IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF OKAME WITH TENGU MASK BY SHUOSAI HIDEMASA "Y 3HUOSAI (IDEMASA IVORY shunga netsuke Japan, Osaka, 19th century, Edo period
An ivory netsuke depicting the Shinto goddess Okame with a glamorous hairstyle, holding her hand to her mouth and impishly laughing, as she strokes the phallic long nose of a tengu mask wrapped in a cloth. The tengu mask has a fierce expression, heavily contrasting to the expression of Okame, almost as if it does not approve of her BEHAVIOR SOMETIMES Okame is depicted with the tengu king Sojobo, who never approves of her naughty behavior). Her robes are ornately decorated with various geometrical patterns and clouds, typical for the Osaka artist. The large himotoshi are well-hidden 48 in a garment fold and the underside with A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF OKAME the freely written signature SHUOSAI, for LAUGHING Shuosai Hidemasa. Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period HEIGHT 4.5 CM Condition: Very good condition, beautiful This very compact, charming and meticulously patina, the cord hole slightly worn decorated netsuke shows the Shinto goddess Provenance: European private collection, Okame dressed in a long garment, with acquired from Neil Holton characteristically chubby cheeks and laughing. Her small bare feet and long hair reaching to the Literature comparison: Compare to a similar ground on the back and in between the excellent netsuke signed Hidemasa in Shunga Netsuke himotoshi are subtle details. The ivory of a published by Sagemonoya, page 21, no. 37. beautiful color with a deep patina. Estimate EUR 3.000,- HEIGHT 4.3 CM Starting price EUR 1.500,-
Condition: Good condition, vertical age cracks on the sides Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
32 33 50 A RARE TALL IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A BIJIN Unsigned, ivory shunga netsuke Japan, mid to late 19th century
A tall ivory netsuke of a laughing Bijin, with black- lacquered hair tied into a top-knot, her robe slipping, revealing her breasts, and only held together with the hand she is holding the fan with. The fan is placed teasingly and those that wish to see more, can tilt the netsuke which reveals her visible genitals. A NETSUKE lLLED WITH SUBTLE AND not so subtle) erotic fantasy, as the backside with her robe gently slipping down her shoulder invoke a feeling of lust. Her robes are decorated with a large kiku blossom and scrolling vines and leaves. Her taunting facial expression is quite amusing and crafted sensitively. Good and irregular 51 52 himotoshi in the back. AN IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A NUDE WOMAN WASHING A RARE IVORY SHUNGA HERSELF BY THE TOMOCHIKA SCHOOL NETSUKE WITH BIJIN, BOY HEIGHT 10.2 CM "Y 4OMOCHIKA IVORY shunga netsuke AND OCTOPUS Japan, Edo/Tokyo, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Unsigned, ivory shunga netsuke Condition: There is minor Japan, Tokyo, mid-19th century, damage around the area of the A small, finely carved figure of a fully nude woman, kneeling beside %DO PERIOD fan, which indicates that the a water bucket and scrubbing her back with a cloth. Masterfully screws holding it in place are executed facial features, pinned up black hair, himotoshi in the A clever and rare ivory netsuke not original. Otherwise good back. Tiny signature on the underside of the bucket – TOMOCHIKA rich with naughty symbolism, condition. of Tokyo or his school. depicting a young Bijin FEMALE Provenance: The 40-Year beauty) squeezing out water Collection of a London HEIGHT 3.8 CM from her loin cloth above a basket with a small octopus inside. Gentleman As she lifts her loin cloth, she is revealing her genitals, which Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and the small boy next to her points out, grinning mischievously. The Estimate EUR 2.000,- excellent patina octopus in the little basket, a symbol for male sexuality and often Starting price EUR 1.000,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION depicted being amorous with fisher girls, is shown with an innocent expression and sensual tentacles dangling over the sides. The ivory Estimate EUR 800,- is of a very good color and lightly stained, with small details such Starting price EUR 400,- as the little comb in her hair or the finely incised pattern on the boy’s cloth. Good himotoshi in her buttocks and unsigned, but Tomochika school.
HEIGHT 5.5 CM
Condition. Excellent condition Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-
34 35 53 54 55 56 A RARE IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A BIJIN WITH A PIPE BY AN IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A LADY WITH MUSHROOM AN IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A MAN TASTING A CLAM AN IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A MONKEY HAKUUNSAI BY EIRAKUSAI BY THE TOMOCHIKA SCHOOL Unsigned, ivory shunga netsuke "Y (AKUUNSAI IVORY shunga netsuke "Y %IRAKUSAI IVORY shunga netsuke "Y 4OMOCHIKA IVORY shunga netsuke Japan, 20th century Japan, Tokyo/Edo, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Tokyo, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Tokyo, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD A very unusual depiction of a monkey stimulating himself, one Bijin seated on the ground, wearing an elaborate hairstyle and An ivory netsuke of a lady with an elaborately crafted hairstyle, A suggestive ivory netsuke of a seated man holding two fingers hand holding his genitals and the other suggestively pointing partly obscuring her face with a fan. One of her arms rests on bearing some resemblance to Okame, holding a phallic mushroom to his tongue to taste the flesh of a clam, a symbol for female at them. The carving is refined, minutely incised fur, very good the small vanity box beside her and she is holding a pipe with in her right hand and mischievously laughing, with the other genitalia. The man has a sword tied to his obi next to the himotoshi details all around, such as the bony fingers of the monkey and the an eccentrically long stem. Her suggestive facial features show a hand held to her chin. Her facial expression is crafted sensitively and signature in a wavy reserve TOMOCHIKA – by a member of the double inlaid eyes in dark and translucent horn. Shunga netsuke sensual expression, of which this Bijin is surely quite aware. Very showing a slightly opened mouth with visible teeth. Her garments Tomochika school. The ivory of a very appealing color. were usually less straightforward than the present example, often small himotoshi on the reverse, and the underside with some red are decorated with various patterns and the small himotoshi are with hidden meanings, which places this netsuke in the early to coloring shows her two sensitively carved feet and her genitals. found in the back. Signature in a way reserve on the underside HEIGHT 3.5 CM mid-20th century, however the quality of the carving, as noted, is Signed on the underside of the box HAKUUNSAI, an artist from the EIRAKUSAI. unmistakable. circle of the Kikugawa family. Condition: One foot has been repaired, otherwise good condition HEIGHT 3.7 CM Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman HEIGHT 3.7 CM HEIGHT 4 CM Condition: Good condition, the ivory slightly worn Estimate EUR 600,- Condition: Very good condition Condition: Good and complete condition, some wear and a few Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Starting price EUR 300,- Provenance: French private collection age cracks Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Estimate EUR 600,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,- Starting price EUR 300,- Literature comparison: Compare to another shunga netsuke by Hakuunsai, Marie-Therese Coullery and Martin S. Newstead, Geneve, 1977, page 392, C914.
Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-
36 37 57 AN IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A RECLINING BIJIN WITH FAN BY KOHOSAI "Y +OHOSAI IVORY shunga netsuke *APAN /SAKA -EIJI PERIOD
A beautiful and intricate study of a reclining Bijin. She is supporting her head on her elbow and holding a fan in her left hand, as she gently turns her head to the left, with sensitively crafted facial features. Her robes are beautifully lacquered in an unusual tone OF PINKISH AMBER )N #OLLECTORS .ETSUKE P 2AYMOND "USHELL DISCUSSES +OHOSAIS REMARKABLE SKILL AT MANIPULATING LACQUER to achieve convincing colors, textures and patinas on the surface of his netsuke, which is evident in this piece. The underside with a garment fold forming the himotoshi and a further opening of her robes, near her delightfully carved feet, revealing her genitals. The signature KOHOSAI is found on the underside near the sleeve.
LENGTH 6.6 CM
Condition: Very good condition, minor wear and two minor age cracks Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
58 59 AN IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A BIJIN BY KOHOSAI AN IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A BIJIN WITH PIPE BY "Y +OHOSAI IVORY shunga netsuke with some lacquer KOHOSAI Japan, Osaka, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD "Y +OHOSAI IVORY shunga netsuke *APAN /SAKA -EIJI PERIOD A seated Bijin, grasping for one of her hair needles with one hand. Her hair pinned up, one leg is raised, the very skillfully Another fine and sensitively crafted model by the Osaka artist, who incised lacquered garment with rich folds shows black-lacquered also made nos. 57 and 58. The Bijin is seated half-kneeling and decorations with bamboo and incised little sparrows. The finely holding a long pipe between both hands. She has sensitive facial executed face with sensual features is a joy to behold. The features and her hair is tied in a typical Bijin manner. Her robes are himotoshi on the underside are ingenuously placed past the elaborate, incised with a scarce pattern and beautifully lacquered exposed genitalia, with the signature KOHOSAI directly adjacent. IN AN UNUSUAL TONE OF PINKISH AMBER )N #OLLECTORS .ETSUKE P 2AYMOND "USHELL DISCUSSES +OHOSAIS REMARKABLE SKILL AT HEIGHT 4.8 CM manipulating lacquer to achieve convincing colors, textures and patinas on the surface of his netsuke, which is evident in this piece. Condition: Excellent condition The underside with a garment fold forming the himotoshi, under Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman which her genitals can be seen. The signature KOHOSAI is found under her knee. Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,- HEIGHT 4.5 CM
Condition: Very good condition Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
388 39 TOKYO SCHOOL
60 61 62 TWO IVORY TOKYO-SCHOOL NETSUKE DEPICTING OKAME BY YASUMASA A TOKYO-SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF AN A FINE TOKYO-SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A MAN WITH GLASSES AND YASUAKI OIRAN WITH A KAMURO BY GYOKUZAN AND AN ABACUS BY YASUMASA "Y 9ASUAKI (OMEI AND 9ASUMASA (OSEI IVORY NETSUKE WITH INLAYS "Y 'YOKUZAN IVORY NETSUKE WITH INLAYS "Y 9ASUMASA (OSEI IVORY NETSUKE WITH INLAYS OF MOTHER OF PEARL AND HORN *APAN -EIJI PERIOD OR LATER Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period *APAN 4OKYO -EIJI PERIOD 9ASUAKI (OMEI +ODAMA WAS BORN IN IN 4OKYO AND HAD MANY STUDENTS ONE OF A very amusing depiction of a kneeling man, resting his head on one hand them being Yasumasa. The two following netsuke are by master and student. A very finely carved depiction of an Oiran, and sticking out his tongue. His head is executed in a lively manner and a courtesan and prostitute, wearing a long he is wearing glasses made from horn. He has an abacus on his knees and Yasuaki: garment and long hair flowing far down her probably uses it to read people’s fortunes on the street for a little money. A very small netsuke depicting a pretty, sensual girl in the style of Okame. The back. The light-green stained garment is Possibly he is sticking out his tongue to insult a passerby who refused him. liveliness of the face is simply astonishing considering the small size of the work. decorated with large blossoms, some of which Finely carved details, such as the inlaid tobacco pouch and kiseruzutsu The girl is kneeling, her head particularly large, her hair tied on the back, the belt, ARE INLAID IN LACQUER AND HORN "ESIDE HER IS on the belt on the reverse, the himotoshi on the underside are set with only visible on the reverse, made from dark horn. The tiny hands and bare feet are a girl carrying a vanity box with both hands. dark horn. Signature YASUMASA on the underside with red-lacquer seal delicately carved. Tiny himotoshi and signature YASUAKI with the family name She is a Kamuro, a child attendant or a kind of YAMAGAWA. Kodama inlaid in silver below on the underside. ‘apprentice’. Small himotoshi set with horn in the back of the Oiran, signed GYOKUZAN on HEIGHT 3.4 CM Yasumasa: the underside on a small lacquered plate. A considerably larger netsuke depicting a chubby girl with full cheeks in the style Condition: Minor wear to inlays, generally in very good condition of Okame AS THIS 3HINTO GODDESS WHO PERFORMED A STRIPTEASE IN FRONT OF THE GODS HEIGHT 5 CM 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS is often parodied. This netsuke has a strikingly plump presence, exemplified by the BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO hairstyle, which is inlaid with coral and horn, as well as the face and body, which Condition: Excellent condition is very well-rounded. The garment shows a precisely incised, detailed und lightly 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Estimate EUR 2.000,- stained decorative pattern, with edges of the robes inlaid with horn. Himotoshi on Starting price EUR 1.000,- the underside, very small signature YASUMASA with the to for “carved it” inlaid Estimate EUR 1.200,- separately in silver. Starting price EUR 600,-
HEIGHT 2.8 - 4.1 CM
#ONDITION "OTH IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH MINOR WEAR 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
40 41 65 A SO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A MAN SMOKING A PIPE BY SOSAI "Y 3OSAI IVORY NETSUKE WITH LACQUER Japan, Tokyo, early 20th century, -EIJI PERIOD
A particularly precise work with great attention to detail depicting an older man, walking and smoking a pipe with a long stem and a small bowl. In the other hand he is holding a tobacco pouch, a kiseruzutsu and a netsuke, and carrying a pair of scissors in his belt on the back. These tiny objects are perfectly captured; the tobacco pouch with wrinkles and a clasp, the man’s netsuke carved in the shape of a chrysanthemum blossom. Headpiece and trousers with black lacquer, uniquely small himotoshi, the signature on the small red plate probably reads SOSAI, a master from the So school in Tokyo.
HEIGHT 5.8 CM
Condition: The hand holding 63 64 the pipe and the pipe have been A FINE INLAID IVORY NETSUKE DEPICTING AN ACROBAT A TOKYO-SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A FISHERMAN IN A restored, otherwise good condition Unsigned, ivory netsuke with inlays BOAT BY KUSAN 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE Japan, probably Tokyo, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD "Y +USAN IVORY NETSUKE WITH INLAYS collection with two valuations from *APAN 4OKYO -EIJI PERIOD 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED The ivory netsuke is stained and of a very appealing color, 1974 & 1984, inventory no. 147 depicting an acrobat doing a handstand, his body amusingly A fine ivory netsuke of a fisherman with curly hair, possibly an contorted, with his legs just above his head. He is wearing islander, seated in a boat and laughing. What looks like the sail of Literature comparison: Compare to ornate robes inlaid with horn buttons stained in different colors. the boat from the front, turns out to be a kakemono scroll which a similar piece illustrated in Netsuke Furthermore, he has a mon on his chest and is wearing a lion he is holding up, precisely crafted and with the character of heaven Familiar & Unfamiliar by Raymond mask cap. Very good and irregular himotoshi to the side and ‘painted’ in the front; the roller ends are inlaid in green-stained "USHELL NO above his head. ivory. The side of the boat is inlaid with mother of pearl and horn and engraved with elaborate patterns. The underside with small Estimate EUR 1.500,- HEIGHT 4 CM himotoshi and the signature incised on a red-lacquer tablet KUSAN Starting price EUR 750,- – a student of Gyokuzan from the Tokyo school. Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London gentleman HEIGHT 4.1 CM
Estimate EUR 800,- Condition: The oar in front of the kakemono is chipped, otherwise Starting price EUR 400,- good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
Literature comparison: A very similar netsuke by Gyokuzan is illustrated in The Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the !RCHIVES OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART ! &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE ,AZARNICK .EW 9ORK PAGE
Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-
42 43 66 67 68 A FINE TOKYO SCHOOL EBONY AND A RARE TOKYO SCHOOL EBONY AND AN UNUSUAL WOOD AND IVORY IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI BY TOYOSAI IVORY NETSUKE OF ONI NEMBUTSU BY NETSUKE OF A DRUNKEN ONI BY "Y 4OYOSAI EBONY WOOD AND IVORY NETSUKE SADAYUKI HOMIN *APAN 4OKYO -EIJI PERIOD n "Y 3ADAYUKI EBONY WOOD AND IVORY NETSUKE "Y (OMIN WOOD AND IVORY NETSUKE *APAN 4OKYO -EIJI PERIOD Japan, Edo/Tokyo, mid to late 19th century The lucky god Hotei is standing bald and with a naked belly, holding a fan and a A very unusual and rare netsuke depicting An unusual netsuke depicting an oni with magic tama pearl. His robes are made Oni Nembutsu made from ebony wood with a child-like face with large eyes and wide- from dark ebony wood with fine engraved details in ivory. The repentant oni, who has opened, smiling mouth. His robes are made decorations, and his body as well as the CONVERTED TO "UDDHISM IS HOLDING A MALLET from wood and elaborately worked with obi, which is tied into a bowtie in the in one hand and a subscription list in the engraved patterns and his movable inset front, is made from ivory. The himotoshi other. He has grown long hair to hide his head is made from ivory. His three-clawed are designed ingeniously – one ringed in horns, however they have grown larger and hands, as well as the sake bottle and cup ivory in the back and the other hidden in are visible at the top of his absurdly large and which he holds are further inlaid in ivory. a removable foot, which is of a slightly flaming hair. He has a fierce and demonic An amusing composition, as the oni visibly different color than the other one. The expression with deep-black inlaid eyes of anticipates a healthy drink of sake. Good signature on the underside reading horn. Himotoshi through the back and and irregular himotoshi through the back TOYOSAI. Possibly a student of Tomochika SIGNATURE 3!$!95+) and the signature HOMIN on the underside. from Tokyo. Homin was a student of Meikeisai Hojitsu. HEIGHT 6.6 CM HEIGHT 5 CM HEIGHT 4.3 CM Condition: Very good condition Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: Austrian private collection 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Estimate EUR 1.500,- Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 750,- Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 500,-
44 45 ANIMALS OF THE JAPANESE ZODIAC
46 47 RAT / NEZUMI
71 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT ON A LARGE CHESTNUT Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, probably Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
An ideally-shaped ivory netsuke of a rat lying on top of an over- exaggeratedly large chestnut. The ribbed texture of the chestnut is well pronounced, as is the top section with its stippled surface. The rat’s eyes are inlaid in black horn, himotoshi in the reverse and the ivory with a very good honey patina.
HEIGHT 2.5 CM, LENGTH 4.6 CM
Condition: Very good condition, with expected age cracks Provenance: British private collection
Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-
72 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF MANY RATS IN AN AWABI SHELL BY MASAMITSU By Masamitsu, ivory netsuke Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)
A classic model from the carver Masamitsu who became famous for his compact studies of animal groups. This ivory netsuke depicts roughly thirty rats bunched together on top of an awabi (abalone) shell, clambering on top of 69 70 each other or fighting. All of their eyes are inlaid in dark A LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED RAT BY MASANAO A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED RAT BY MASANAO horn and the surface is beautifully stained. The underside "Y -ASANAO WOOD NETSUKE "Y -ASANAO WOOD NETSUKE is beautifully carved as well, with the surface of the awabi Japan, Ise-Yamada, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Ise-Yamada, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD and the characteristic rows of circular openings achieved naturalistically. There are more rats on the underside as well, A rather large wood netsuke of rat tightly coiled up into a ball. A The same model as previous no. 69, however considerably smaller one even lurks in one of the himotoshi, biting at the tail of genius design when considering the functionality as a netsuke, in size and with a more adorable expression. The fur of the rat another rat which is scurrying away to join the pack at the but also the uniqueness of the depiction. This model is believed is precisely incised, and it is holding one paw to its face, one is top. Signature MASAMITSU in a rounded reserve. to originate from the Masanao family of Ise-Yamada and was holding its very well carved tail which extends all the way to the executed in different variations and sizes across members of back and another is scratching its ear. The eyes are inlaid in black LENGTH 5.3 CM the school/family. The fur of the rat is precisely incised, and it is horn. Natural himotoshi through one of the legs and signed at the holding one paw to its face, one is holding its tail which extends back in a polished reserve MASANAO. Condition: Unusually good condition, as these models are all the way to the back and another is scratching its ear. The bony fragile and almost always missing inlaid eyes, or other pieces fingers of the paws are carved with great detail, giving an eerie HEIGHT 3.5 CM – however only one eye of the rat located in the himotoshi is appearance. The large beady eyes are inlaid in black horn. Natural lost, otherwise very good condition himotoshi through one of the legs and signed at the back in a Condition: Very good condition Provenance: British private collection stored in a bank vault for polished reserve MASANAO. Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London gentleman 40 years
HEIGHT 4.5 CM Estimate EUR 2.000,- Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 750,- Condition: Minor crack and minor restoration near the mid- section of the tail, otherwise good condition Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London gentleman
Auction comparison: For another rat by Masanao of a similar size SEE "ONHAMS &INE *APANESE !RT ,ONDON -AY LOT
Estimate EUR 2.500,- Starting price EUR 1.250,-
48 49 73 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT ON A DRIED SALMON HEAD Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
An ivory netsuke of a rat on a dried salmon head. The finely carved rat, with inlaid eyes, has crawled up to the mouth of the salmon, which shows sharp and dangerous rows of teeth, though it is harmless now. The scales of the fish are achieved very well, and little holes are added by the carver to simulate the desiccation process. The ivory of a very good color with fine stain. Cleverly placed himotoshi through the side and underside.
LENGTH 4.6 CM
Condition: One of the large teeth in the front has been chipped, otherwise good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-
75 74 A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT WITH CANDLE BY A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT ON A YAMAGUCHI OKATOMO DESSICATED FISH BY ANRAKU "Y /KATOMO IVORY NETSUKE "Y !NRAKU IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Kyoto, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Osaka, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Published: Illustrated in F Storno, Le Netzké Errant, fig.19 ! VERY lNE MODEL OF A LITTLE RAT nezumi) on top of a large desiccated fish by the rare Osaka school artist The seated rat is holding a candle, the wick inlaid in dark horn, Anraku. The fish is cut near the head, and the septums between its front paws. Its head is slightly lowered, and mouth and vertebrae are visible on the side. The staining opened to nibble on the candle. The details are rendered and finish of the carving are very fine, as is usual for incredibly naturalistic and the rat has a lively and satisfied Anraku and Osaka-school netsuke. The scales are expression, even though it is eating a candle, which is probably neatly incised, and surface of the head is arduously not the most nutritious food. Natural himotoshi through the stippled. The fish has a its mouth slightly opened, with tail which curls around to the other side and signature in visible rows of teeth and the eyes are inlaid with dark square reserve reading OKATOMO. horn. A charming and smooth little rat, with tiny eyes inlaid in black horn, is seated on top of the fish and HEIGHT 2.6 CM, LENGTH 4.3 CM is looking backwards – perhaps somebody else has noticed its delicious meal. Himotoshi on the underside Condition: Good condition, the ivory slightly worn with several and signature in a rounded double reserve reading age cracks, a notable one through the tail ANRAKU. Provenance: A European private collection, formerly from the collection of François Storno, sold at Christie’s London 16th May LENGTH 6 CM 2007, lot 239.
Condition: Very good condition Literature comparison: Compare to a similar rat in The 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the Archives of the "RITISH -USEUM 0ART " &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY Estimate EUR 1.500,- George Lazarnick), New York, 1986, page 619. Starting price EUR 750,- Estimate EUR 2.500,- Starting price EUR 1.250,-
50 51 76 77 AN EXCELLENT IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT WITH BAMBOO A POWERFUL KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT NODE BY SADAYOSHI WITH A BEAN POD "Y 3ADAYOSHI IVORY NETSUKE Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, Osaka, early to mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Kyoto, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A fine and naturalistic ivory netsuke of recumbent rat with its tail A powerful depiction of a rat executed in distinct Kyoto style, curling around and up its back. The rat or nezumi has a pointed with large bulging eyes inlaid in black horn. A smooth bean pod is snout, large inlaid eyes of black horn and attentively curved ears. carved between its body and its tail, with the latter curling around The hairwork is incised masterfully and characteristically worn. and grasped in the rat’s right hand, while placing its other hand The rat is holding a node of bamboo between three of its paws, near the mouth. The composition is achieved very naturalistically, which it fiercely claims for itself. The underside with himotoshi with some parallels to be drawn to the rats of the great Masanao AND SIGNATURE IN A RECTANGULAR RESERVE 3!$!9/3() 4HE ARTIST IS from Kyoto. The ears are carved precisely, as is the fur coat. known for his naturalistic and bold carvings of animals. Himotoshi in the reverse.
HEIGHT 2.2 CM, LENGTH 4.6 CM HEIGHT 3.9 CM
Condition: Good condition, very appealing patina on the Condition: A section of the tail in the front has been restored very underside, one small crack to the tail and a very minute old chip well, otherwise good condition, with a very good patina and a few to the edge of one ear expected age cracks 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO Auction comparison: A similar Kyoto school ivory rat was sold at Literature comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke of two rats "ONHAMS &INE *APANESE 7ORKS OF !RT .EW 9ORK -ARCH by Sadayoshi illustrated in International Netsuke Society Journal, lot 2110. 24/3, page 11 Estimate EUR 2.000,- Estimate EUR 2.500,- Starting price EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 1.250,-
52 53 OX / USHI
80 A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX SIGNED TOMOTADA Signed Tomotada, wood netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
78 An expressively carved work with great attention to detail, AN EXCELLENT IVORY NETSUKE OF A exemplified by the head, ribs, rope and dynamic fur pattern. RECUMBENT OX BY TOMOTADA The pupils are inlaid in dark horn and the ox is stretching "Y 4OMOTADA IVORY NETSUKE it’s tongue out with a curious expression. The underside Japan, Kyoto, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD shows the ox’s genitals, a lively composition of the legs, the himotoshi AND THE SIGNATURE 4/-/4!$! WITHIN A RECTANGULAR A large and bulky model of an ox by the famous reserve on one of the legs. Kyoto artist Tomotada. The composition is incredibly naturalistic, the arched backbone of the ox is well Tomotada Izumiyaha from Kyoto was known for powerful expressed and the hairwork is masterfully incised. 79 ox netsuke and was already mentioned in the Soken Kisho The ox has a rope tied to its nose ring which passes A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX AFTER of 1781 but had many students and imitators as his works over the large horns and all the way over its back. TOMOTADA became quite famous. This work comes from one of the The glaring eyes are inlaid in dark-reddish horn. The After Tomotada, ivory netsuke latter, however, is quite rare since they were usually made underside equally well-carved and with two large Japan, Kyoto, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD from ivory. The ox is one of the twelve signs of the Japanese himotoshi AND SIGNATURE 4/-/4!$! IN A RECTANGULAR zodiac. Powerful, dark coloration of the reddish wood. reserve. The patina is excellent and worn in all the A slightly different example of a recumbent ox signed Tomotada, right places, especially the underside is particularly because the ivory is left unstained, reminding more of the works LENGTH 6 CM appealing with a honey patina. of the Osaka master Kaigyokusai Masatsugu. The hairwork is very finely incised and the beady eyes are inlaid with two large pieces of Condition: Good condition, a circular imprint near the rope HEIGHT 3 CM, LENGTH 6.3 CM dark-red horn. The underside with an attractive yellow patina with Provenance: Austrian private estate, acquired at Galerie beautifully carved legs, himotoshi AND SIGNATURE 4/-/4!$! ON THE Zacke in the 1990s Condition: Very good condition, expected age cracks right haunch in a rounded reserve. 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO Estimate EUR 900,- VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED LENGTH 5.7 CM Starting price EUR 450,- 1974 & 1984, inventory no. 79 Condition: Good condition, minor cracks Estimate EUR 2.500,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Starting price EUR 1.250,- Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
54 55 TIGER / TORA
81 82 A WOOD NETSUKE OF A TIGER A GOOD KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TIGER Unsigned, wood netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Kyoto, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
Though a quite simple netsuke, the tiger A compact ivory netsuke of a tiger, with its head tilted backwards comes across incredibly powerful. The eyes are and left hindleg raised, capturing the moment before the tiger enigmatically inlaid in pale translucent horn and the scratches himself. The bold and expressive eyebrows, the manner tiger opens its mouth, baring its teeth, as if it was of fur coat, as well as the individual charm and expression of the about to let out a menacing growl. The hairwork piece allow for an attribution to the Okatomo school. The tiger, or is sparsely incised and the tail is curling up the side tora, is the third animal of the zodiac and a symbol of resilience and of the tiger. The wood has a very good color and strength. Good himotoshi on the underside; unsigned. a fine patina, showing wear in all the right places. Natural himotoshi between the legs. HEIGHT 4.1 CM
HEIGHT 3.8 CM Condition: Good condition, minor expected age cracks, very good patina Condition: Fine and very good condition, excellent Provenance: European private collection patina 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Estimate EUR 3.000,- Starting price EUR 1.500,- Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 600,-
56 57 83 AN EXCEPTIONAL AND RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SNARLING TIGER BY DORAKU "Y $ORAKU IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Osaka, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A very unusual model of a tiger, completely unique in its style, and more of an abstract representation of a tiger than a naturalistic one. The tiger has its head turned back with its eyes and mouth wide open, baring fangs. It has small ears, a reishi mushroom nose and characteristic vertical pupils. The image of the tiger is quite grotesque, especially with its thick and unusual neck which extends to the back, but its expression is nonetheless powerful. The tiger is the third animal of the zodiac and a symbol of resilience and strength. The underside with expressively carved thick AND LARGE PAWS AND THE SIGNATURE $/2!+5 THE ARTIST IS ALSO KNOWN AS $ORAKUSAI IN A ROUNDED reserve on the inside of one of the legs. Good and irregular himotoshi to the side and by the belly.
The fur coat is executed finely, inked and worn in some areas, and the characteristic spots of a tiger’s fur coat are visible. The tiger is not native to Japan and netsuke artists had to mostly rely on paintings or hearsay without ever seeing a real tiger themselves. However, the fur coats of tigers were imported from China, therefore the patterns on the fur were often correctly expressed IN NETSUKE ART ANOTHER GOOD EXAMPLE FOR THIS ARE THE TIGERS FROM (AKURYU CATALOG NO OR Matsushita Otoman.
HEIGHT 3.6 CM
Condition: Good condition, one age crack through the mid-section and one through the tail - good patina, characteristically worn in some areas Provenance: Austrian private collection
Estimate EUR 4.000,- Starting price EUR 2.000,-
58 59 84 85 A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A TIGER BY TOMIN A WOOD NETSUKE OF A TIGER BY TANAKA MINKO "Y 4OMIN SIGNED -INKO WOOD NETSUKE (1735 – 1816) Japan, Tsu, Ise province, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD "Y -INKO WOOD NETSUKE Japan, Tsu, Ise province, late 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD A similar model as the next no. 85, though there are subtle differences. The tiger is slightly smaller, as are the chubby paws, A classic model of a tiger with chubby paws by Tanaka Minko and the carving is more refined, stained darker and with a THE FOUNDER OF THE IMPORTANT 4SU SCHOOL AND ONE OF smoother polish, leading to the assumption that this carving is by the few names mentioned in the Soken Kisho from 1781. The tiger the famed student of Minko – Tomin. Tomin was known for slightly has its head turned back, with large glaring eyes inlaid in mother more detailed and smaller carvings, though strictly adhering to the of pearl, and a vividly snarling, and somewhat comedic and friendly rules of the Tsu school, they were imbued with original character, expression. His tail curls up his back like a snake and his fur coat as is evident in this piece. The facial expression is incredibly vivid, is expressed very well. The underside with the mentioned chubby and the eyes are inlaid in brass with dark horn pupils. The fur coat is paws, though in this example they are especially large. Signed well expressed, and the color of the wood is beautifully stained and MINKO with kao on one of the paws; natural himotoshi. finished. Signature MINKO with kao on one of the paws; natural himotoshi. An early work of Tomin as he did not yet sign with his HEIGHT 3 CM, LENGTH 4.1 CM own name. Condition: Excellent condition HEIGHT 2.9 CM, LENGTH 3.9 CM 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: French private collection !UCTION COMPARISON #OMPARE TO A SIMILAR MODEL SOLD AT "ONHAMS Fine Japanese Art, London, 6 November 2014, lot 69. Estimate EUR 3.000,- Starting price EUR 1.500,- Estimate EUR 3.000,- Starting price EUR 1.500,-
60 61 86 AN EXCEPTIONAL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TIGER WITH CUB BY HAKURYU "Y (AKURYU IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Kyoto, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A compact and remarkably intricate ivory netsuke of a large female tiger with its cub climbing down from its back. The mother’s body is muscular with pronounced shoulder bones, and her entire body is contorted into a circle, her tail swinging around to her front paws. The little cub which is climbing down her back is depicted in motion, one paw on the ground and the other sliding down her right leg, the shoulder bones equally well-pronounced and the minutely carved tail in a wavy line across the mother’s back. The fur coat is remarkable and very naturalistic in this piece with stained dark lines imitating the tiger’s fur pattern like wet running paint. Netsuke carvers knew their tiger fur very well, however the actual image of the tiger was often parodied or somewhat confused. As in this netsuke where the tiger’s body comes across all powerful, however the expression is comedic and rather docile. The eyes are inlaid in mother of pearl with the pupils far apart, red-tinted mouth and the mother tiger has its mouth opened with a snarling expression. The underside with well-carved clawed paws, natural himotoshi and the signature located in a double gourd shaped RESERVE (!+5295 MEANING LITERALLY HUNDRED DRAGONS
Hakuryu’s tigers are completely unique in their individuality, style and expression and matched only perhaps by the tigers by Matsushita Otoman. The existence of many imitations and copies of (AKURYUS TIGERS PERHAPS GIVE THIS DISTINCT TYPE A BAD REPUTATION however this netsuke is of superior quality and without a doubt by the great master himself, who is said to have originated from the Rantei school.
HEIGHT 3 CM, LENGTH 4 CM
Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO WITH A REMARK @"%34
Literature comparison: For a similar netsuke with three tigers see The Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the Archives of the "RITISH -USEUM 0ART ! &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE Lazarnick), New York, 1986, page 120.
Estimate EUR 4.000,- Starting price EUR 2.000,-
62 63 RABBIT / USAGI
87 88 89 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A PIEBALD RABBIT BY RANICHI A CHARMING KAKI WOOD NETSUKE OF A RABBIT AN UNUSUAL AND AMUSING IVORY NETSUKE OF A RABBIT "Y 2ANICHI IVORY NETSUKE Unsigned, kaki wood netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, Kyoto, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
The style of this work makes it clear it was crafted by a student of Rantei in Kyoto, though comparisons 4HE RABBIT usagi) is the fourth sign of the Japanese zodiac The rabbit with its elongated body, long ears, large inlaid eyes with CAN ALSO BE MADE TO )KKO SEE FOR EXAMPLE CATALOG NO IN OUR .ETSUKE !UCTION FROM th November and known in this context simply as U. A calm netsuke, eyelashes, broad smile and carrying a large leaf in its mouth seems 2018). The rabbit is carved in a sensitive manner, seated with its head looking down, the ears attached showing the rabbit in a seated position and with long ears like something out of a fairy tale. Himotoshi on the underside. TO THE BODY AND THE EYES INLAID WITH LUSTROUS BLACK HORN 4HE RABBIT USAGI IS ONE OF THE TWELVE SIGNS OF attached to its body. One of its paws is raised as if greeting. the Japanese zodiac and also a popular motif as the moon rabbit. The fur is carved precisely and stained The grain of the wood is a beautiful alternating black and HEIGHT 3.3 CM, LENGTH 5.8 CM in some areas to simulate the piebald fur coat of the little rabbit. A very well-rounded composition, brown, typical of yew wood. Himotoshi on the underside. with natural himotoshi between the legs, which also show the signature RANICHI, a pupil of the well- #ONDITION "OTH FRONT LEGS CHIPPED ONE MORE THAN THE OTHER FEW known Hogen Rantei, who showed individual character in his compositions, and made mainly carvings HEIGHT 3.5 CM age cracks and minor imperfections to the material - otherwise of animals. good condition Condition: Good condition, minor nicks and scratches to the 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION HEIGHT 2.6 CM surface of the wood 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS Estimate EUR 600,- Condition: Very good condition, some age cracks FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED Starting price EUR 300,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION inventory no. 29
Literature comparison: Compare to two similar rabbit netsuke by Ranichi in The Meinertzhagen Card Auction comparison: Compare to another hare from the )NDEX ON .ETSUKE IN THE !RCHIVES OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART " &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY SAME MATERIAL OFFERED AT "ONHAMS 4HE *ULIUS AND !RLETTE George Lazarnick), New York, 1986, page 635. Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part III, London, 6 November 2018, lot 54. Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 600,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,-
64 65 DRAGON / TATSU
91 A KYOTO-SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A COILED DRAGON Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, %DO PERIOD
An early and strong Kyoto-school ivory netsuke and shaped almost like a thick manju. The dragon forms a complete circle with his scaly body emanating flames and coiling around. He is holding a flaming zhu pearl in his claws next to his large and expressive head, with long whiskers. The eyes are inlaid with dark horn and the dragon looks bewildered, as if he was surprised at how well his serpentine body forms a circle, forming the ideal netsuke shape. Natural himotoshi.
HEIGHT 2.5 CM, LENGTH 4.3 CM
Condition: Very good condition with an excellent patina Provenance: European private collection
90 Estimate EUR 3.000,- A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A DRAGON HATCHING Starting price EUR 1.500,- FROM AN EGG BY ICHISHIDO MASAKAZU "Y )CHISHIDO -ASAKAZU IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Kyoto, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD
A parody of the netsuke motif of the chicken hatching from the EGG ONLY IN THIS CASE IT IS A lERCE DRAGON tatsu). The most popular netsuke motif of this variant is the tengu hatching from the egg known as ‘tengu no tomago’, however in this case it is ‘tatsu no tamago’. The idea of mythical beings hatching from eggs make for a very amusing and rare subject in netsuke art. The egg has several holes, with cracks emerging from them, from which the dragon’s head, with unusually long barbels, peaks out and through which its scaly body coils. Two further openings show sharp claws, one of them used as himotoshi, while in the other the dragon holds a MAGIC PEARL tama 3IGNED -!3!+!:5 AND )#()3()$/ BESIDE THE himotoshi. Pupils inlaid in dark horn. A rare and celebrated artist from the early Meiji period.
7)$4( #-
Condition: Minor age cracks, a small section of the left barbel is missing - good condition Provenance: Austrian private collection
Estimate EUR 2.500,- Starting price EUR 1.250,-
66 67 SNAKE / HEBI
92 93 A FINE AND RARE NETSUKE OF A COILED SNAKE BY BY A RARE MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A COILED SNAKE BY RANTEI TADATOMO "Y 2ANTEI MARINE IVORY NETSUKE "Y 4ADATOMO IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Kyoto, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Kyoto, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD A compact and naturalistic study of a coiled snake, the bulging eyes double An expressive netsuke of a snake, its body intertwined, and inlaid in dark and pale translucent horn, carved from a choice piece of marine the scales expressively carved in a cross-etched pattern. IVORY !LTHOUGH THE SNAKE hebi) is in the zodiac, as the sixth animal, it is Especially the belly scales are carved naturalistically in neatly relatively rare in netsuke art. The best examples are probably from Nagoya arranged overlapping rows. The eyes are inlaid in dark horn. or Takayama and carved from wood, however the present example is from The underside with the signature 4!$!4/-/ in a rectangular Kyoto, carved from a rare material and from the well-known artist Hogen reserve; natural himotoshi through several openings of the Rantei. The snake’s serpentine body forms a knot, an ideal netsuke shape coiled, serpentine body of the snake. with natural himotoshi, and the composition of the body is true to nature – the scales are minutely carved, the tail section is very thin and fine, with the HEIGHT 2.8 CM mid-section getting thicker and tapering towards the head. The snake has its ‘neck’ slightly raised, granting movement to the composition. The head is Condition: Excellent condition resting on its body and with the tongue greedily sticking out, probably fixing 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION its eyes on some sort of prey. The signature RANTEI written in sosho can be found in a rounded reserve on the underside. Estimate EUR 3.000,- Starting price EUR 1.500,- HEIGHT 2.8 CM
Condition: Excellent condition, minor imperfections in the material Provenance: Austrian private collection
,ITERATURE COMPARISON #OMPARE TO ANOTHER SNAKE BY 2ANTEI IN THE "AUR collection, Marie-Therese Coullery and Martin S. Newstead, Geneve, 1977, page 314, C 962.
Estimate EUR 2.500,- Starting price EUR 1.250,-
68 69 HORSE / UMA
94 95 AN EXCELLENT AND RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT HORSE BY MITSUHIDE A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT HORSE "Y -ITSUHIDE IVORY NETSUKE Unsigned, wood netsuke Japan, Kyoto, late 18th – early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
An ivory netsuke of a recumbent horse, its head turned backwards and with a friendly face, A naturalistic model of a recumbent horse. The mane of the horse is carved with the eyes inlaid in dark horn. The carver is Mitsuhide, assumed to be a pupil of the famous careful consideration and the long face is imbued with a lot of character, enhanced Mitsuharu of Kyoto, and quoted by Meinertzhagen as ‘one of the best animal carvers of his by the eyes inlaid in dark horn. The wood is of a very good color, accentuated, time’. His works are scarce, but of a very high artistic quality, and invariably made from ivory slightly stained and darkened in some areas. Good and irregular himotoshi on the and signed in a circular reserve. He is probably best known for his idiosyncratic carvings of underside. Unsigned but similar examples exist by Minkoku. monkeys, however though rare, he carved other animals with a similar power and expression such as this horse. The horse’s fur is masterfully carved and finished, as well as the bushy mane LENGTH 5.3 CM and tail. The underside with perfectly carved hooves and feet, with the first two feet crossing in front of the horse’s body. Excellent irregular and hollowed out himotoshi near the signature Condition: One leg is restored, otherwise fine condition with excellent patina IN AN OVAL RESERVE -)435()$% Provenance: European private collection
HEIGHT 2.7 CM, LENGTH 5 CM Auction comparison: For a similar netsuke by Minkoku see Christie’s, The Raymond AND &RANCES "USHELL #OLLECTION OF .ETSUKE ,ONDON /CTOBER .O Condition: Good condition, minor crack near the larger himotoshi, and the two feet in the front are reattached Estimate EUR 1.500,- Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Starting price EUR 750,-
!UCTION COMPARISON &OR A NETSUKE OF A HORSE AND GROOM BY -ITSUHIDE SEE "ONHAMS 4HE Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part I, London, 8 November 2016, lot 90. Literature comparison: Another netsuke of a horse by Mitsuhide is illustrated in The -EINERTZHAGEN #ARD )NDEX ON .ETSUKE IN THE !RCHIVES OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART ! &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE ,AZARNICK .EW 9ORK PAGE
Estimate EUR 4.000,- Starting price EUR 2.000,-
70 71 96 97 98 99 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO HORSES ON A BASE AN IVORY NETSUKE OF FIVE STALLIONS BY SHOGETSU A SHIBAYAMA STYLE INLAID IVORY NETSUKE OF A AN UNUSUAL WOOD NETSUKE OF A HORSE IN A Unsigned, ivory netsuke "Y 3HOGETSU IVORY NETSUKE CAPARISONED HORSE BY KAZUAKI WINDOW Japan, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD "Y +AZUAKI IVORY NETSUKE WITH SHIBAYAMA STYLE INLAYS Unsigned, wood netsuke *APAN 4OKYO -EIJI PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD An ivory netsuke of two horses, one recumbent and the other The artist, who specialized in depicting animals, created lifelike, grazing, on a base. The horse or uma is the seventh animal in the moving horses – lying, jumping and on top of each other – a An incredibly detailed and fine netsuke depicting a An unusual netsuke in the form of a caparisoned horse zodiac and a symbol of virility and endurance. Good patina and difficult feat considering the size of this work. The composition is CAPARISONED HORSE uma) with rich inlays of silver, fully captured in motion inside a window-like structure. singular himotoshi through the base. CLEVERLY ARRANGED 4HE HORSE uma) is one of the twelve signs of horn and mother of pearl. The horse wears a saddle The underside of the horse with a mitsudomo-e symbol Japanese zodiac and depictions of several horses are reminiscent of with attached stirrups and saddlecloth adorned with and the small himotoshi on the back of the animal. The HEIGHT 3.1 CM the popular theme of the horses of King Mu of Zhou, who reigned floral decorations, and the mane is minutely carved wood bearing a fine patina. in China during the 10th CENTURY "# 3IGNED 3(/'%435 ON A SMALL in openwork. The entire composition is set on a base Condition: Good condition with spots of honey patina, minor plate on the underside. with central rimmed himotoshi and inset signature on a HEIGHT 3.5 CM surface scratches to the base and small age cracks mother of pearl plaque KAZUAKI. Most likely a student 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 7)$4( #- of Yasuaki of the Tokyo school. Condition: Excellent condition 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Condition: Very good condition, expected wear with few very HEIGHT 3.6 CM Estimate EUR 800,- minor, tiny cracks Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 400,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Condition: One of the ears is chipped and minor losses to Starting price EUR 300,- inlay. Generally, in good condition when considering the Literature comparison: Compare to a netsuke of a zodiac group vast amount of inlay by Shogetsu illustrated in The Meinertzhagen Card Index on 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION .ETSUKE IN THE !RCHIVES OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART " &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE ,AZARNICK .EW 9ORK Estimate EUR 1.000,- page 740. Starting price EUR 500,-
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-
72 73 SHEEP / HITSUJI
100 101 A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF GROUP OF GOATS AFTER AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT GOAT ATTRIBUTED TO KAIGYOKUSAI MASATSUGU (1813-1892) RANMEI Unsigned after Kaigyokusai, ivory netsuke Unsigned, attributed to Ranmei, ivory netsuke Japan, Osaka or Tokyo, mid to late 19th century Japan, Kyoto, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A large recumbent goat with two young goats. The heads are finely The goat’s head is carved in a lively manner, its head raised upwards carved, the mother goat is proud and lively in a subtle manner, all and the horns curved backwards, the eyes double inlaid in dark and eyes inlaid with black horn. The composition is full of movement pale translucent horn. The fur is densely carved and true to nature. with both young goats in different attitudes – one on her back and The goat is called yagi, literally “mountain goat”, but known in the the other just in front of the mother, nestled up to her and the head zodiac as hitsuji and is the eighth animal of the zodiac. This carving tilted upwards, the curvature of the body being fully expressed. The is from a member of the famous Rantei school in Kyoto and most choice piece of ivory is left unstained and is beautifully polished, likely by Ranmei. Himotoshi on the underside. CHARACTERISTIC FOR THE ARTIST 4HE SHEEP OR GOAT hitsuji) is one of the twelve signs of the Japanese zodiac. The underside with bed HEIGHT 2.7 CM, LENGTH 3.3 CM of leaves, one extending up over the right hindleg of the mother goat. Small himotoshi and signature in a semi-polished reserve on Condition: A tiny chip on one of the hooves, and a minor the underside, reading KAIGYOKUSAI for Kaigyokusai Masatsugu imperfection to one eye, generally in very good condition ARGUABLY THE GREATEST NETSUKE CARVER OF THE th Provenance: Austrian private estate, formerly acquired at Galerie century, though this work was most likely made by a very talented Zacke in the 1990s PUPIL POSSIBLY EVEN IN 4OKYO WHERE HE OR ONE OF HIS STUDENTS established a school in the late 19th century. Auction comparison: For a very similar example of a Goat with its YOUNG SIGNED 2ANMEI SEE "ONHAMS *APANESE 0ICTURES AND 0RINTS LENGTH 4.5 CM and Other Asian Works of Art, London, 19 September 2006, lot 443.
Condition: Very good condition with very minor discoloration in Estimate EUR 1.200,- some areas to the ivory Starting price EUR 600,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
74 75 102 103 A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A GOAT BY KOKEI A WOOD NETSUKE OF A GOAT BY MASANAO "Y +OKEI WOOD NETSUKE "Y -ASANAO WOOD NETSUKE Japan, Kuwana, Ise province, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Ise-Yamada, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
Kokei is assumed to be have been a pupil of Minko, however became A similarly executed goat to previous no. 102, however less independent and was a prolific worker, his work showing even affinities naturalistic and with a very individual character. Masanao, not be to the Nagoya school or Masanao from Ise-Yamada, compare for example confused with the great Masanao of Kyoto, is a name associated the treatment of the fur in our next catalog no. 103. It is easy to see why with a family of carvers from the little town of Ise, incidentally not he became independent, as he possessed considerable carving ability and too far away from Tsu, as it is believed that the first Masanao may managed to portray a sense of superior naturalism in his work, without HAVE BEEN A PUPIL OF -INKO WHICH COULD EXPLAIN THE CONNECTION losing any individuality. His goats are probably his most recognizable to Kokei). The goat’s fur is carved with a great sense of detail and WORK AS ANY CONNOISSEUR OF NETSUKE ART IF THE QUALITY IS RIGHT AS IN THE naturalism. It lifts its head up high and produces a gentle smile, present piece), will immediately identify it as Kokei. The fur is carved the eyes inlaid in dark horn. The underside with exceptionally masterfully, creating a three-dimensional effect, as are the horns, the carved legs and hooves and with the signature in a polished reserve swinging tail and the characteristic chin beard. Turning the netsuke reveals MASANAO. the legs and hooves, which have a delightful dark patina, and are as the rest of the piece carved crisply. Natural himotoshi and the signature HEIGHT 3.5 CM located in a polished reserve KOKEI. Condition: Very good condition HEIGHT 2.9 CM, LENGTH 4.5 CM Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Condition: Excellent condition, beautiful patina !UCTION COMPARISON &OR ANOTHER GOAT BY -ASANAO SEE "ONHAMS 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part III, BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO London, 6 November 2018, lot 77.
!UCTION COMPARISON &OR A SIMILAR GOAT BY +OKEI SEE "ONHAMS 4HE (ARRIET Estimate EUR 2.000,- Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, London, 8 November 2011, lot 143. Starting price EUR 1.000,-
Estimate EUR 3.000,- Starting price EUR 1.500,-
76 77 MONKEY / SARU
104 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF MONKEYS AND RATS BY GYOKUMIN "Y 'YOKUMIN IVORY NETSUKE Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
4WO MONKEYS saru PLAYING WITH FOUR RATS "OTH ANIMALS ARE SIGNS OF THE *APANESE ZODIAC THE RAT nezumi) is abbreviated to Ne and is the first sign because it cheekily jumped over the ox. The monkeys have very finely and densely carved fur, rather bulky bodies the scrambling rats are very small and carved in a lively manner, their thin long tails are quite amusing. Natural himotoshi through the monkeys’ legs. The signature GYOKUMIN on a small outlined rectangular plate. Compare to the netsuke no. 106 in this catalog by Seigyoku. 105 106 AN AMUSING IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO ACROBATIC AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY TEACHING HIS YOUNG BY 7)$4( #- MONKEYS IN A CHESTNUT BY TAMEKAZU SEIGYOKU "Y 4AMEKAZU IVORY NETSUKE "Y 3EIGYOKU IVORY NETSUKE Condition: Generally, in good condition, one of the monkeys with one arm with a larger crack *APAN -EIJI PERIOD Japan, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman The chestnut is naturalistically carved with the stippled surface on A beautifully carved study of a father monkey holding down a Estimate EUR 1.200,- the base and the ribbed texture around the upper section. The front sparrow and showing his offspring how to kill it. The young monkey Starting price EUR 600,- section of the chestnut is well hollowed out, with a little monkey looks on enthusiastically and is holding another smaller sparrow by upside down, being pulled up by another monkey which sits on the wing. Sensitive details in the facial expressions and overall a very top of the fruit, one leg trailing as it struggles to pull its companion charming netsuke. Natural himotoshi and signature SEIGYOKU on out of the chestnut. The monkey, also known as saru, is the ninth the underside. Compare also to the netsuke by Gyokumin no. 104 in animal in the zodiac and a well-loved netsuke theme. Often, this catalog. they are depicted eating their favorite fruits such as chestnuts or biwa, however another popular theme which has developed is the HEIGHT 3.2 CM monkey emerging from the chestnut – this netsuke shows this motif with an inspired and humorous twist. Signed in a polished reserve Condition: Very good condition, fine patina, minor areas of TAMEKAZU next to two irregular and ribbed himotoshi. discoloration Provenance: European private collection HEIGHT 4.4 CM !UCTION COMPARISON ! SIMILAR NETSUKE AS SOLD AT "ONHAMS Condition: Very good condition Fine Japanese Art including two masterpieces by Kitaoji Rosanjin Provenance: French private collection, old label to the base ,ONDON .OVEMBER LOT
Estimate EUR 800,- Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 500,-
78 79 107 108 A FINE NETSUKE OF THREE MONKEYS WITH A PEACH, SCHOOL AN UNUSUAL WOOD NETSUKE OF A BLIND MONKEY FIGHTING OF OHARA MITSUHIRO (1810-1875) ANOTHER MONKEY BY MASACHIKA Signed Mitsuhiro, ivory netsuke "Y -ASACHIKA WOOD NETSUKE Japan, Osaka, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
An unusual subject for the artist, however when considering the A very unusual and compact composition of a large blind male monkey holding quality of the carving and the staining, this netsuke is on par with a peach, one of the eyes inlaid in ivory and the other in horn. A smaller male SOME OF THE lNEST NETSUKE PRODUCED BY THE /SAKA SCHOOL $EPICTED monkey, aware of the other monkey’s disadvantage, is kneeling below him and is a large male monkey, hiding a fruiting peach branch behind his trying to steal the peach he is holding. The expression of the larger monkey is back, while one young monkey climbs over his back, with one hand brilliantly captured as he realizes the attempted robbery and grabs the other on the very large peach. The other monkey is restrained by the father monkey by the fur at the back, the differently inlaid eyes give him a crazed monkey, trying to break free and follow his brother. An incredibly look. The smaller monkey’s eyes are inlaid in translucent horn and he has a lively scene, all six eyes are inlaid in dark horn, and the expressions mischievous expression. Very good treatment of the fur and the underside are characterful, reminding of the carvings of monkeys by Mitsuhide equally well carved with natural himotoshi and signature in a polished reserve or Masachika. Worn signature MITSUHIRO in a rectangular reserve MASACHIKA. The artist carved invariably monkeys and according to the scholar located on the peach – the carving probably from one of the pupils F. M. Jonas, Masachika was the adopted son and successor of Kaigyokusai OF /HARA -ITSUHIRO Masatsugu and the father of Kaigyokudo Masateru.
HEIGHT 4.1 CM HEIGHT 3.8 CM, LENGTH 4.5 CM
Condition: Good condition; very good and appealing patina with Condition: Very good condition, the wood slightly worn in some areas some wear, minor expected age cracks and the signature worn Provenance: "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED PROBABLY INVENTORY no. 97 Auction comparison: For a netsuke of a comparable netsuke by Masachika see Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, New York, 21 September 2006, lot 294 Estimate EUR 4.000,- Literature comparison: A very similar or the same netsuke illustrated with a line Starting price EUR 2.000,- drawing in The Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the Archives of the "RITISH -USEUM 0ART ! &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE ,AZARNICK New York, 1986, page 408.
Estimate EUR 3.000,- Starting price EUR 1.500,-
80 81 109 110 AN EXCELLENT WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY EATING BERRIES AN EXCELLENT IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY EATING A PEACH BY KANO TOMOKAZU BY RANTEI "Y 4OMOKAZU WOOD NETSUKE "Y 2ANTEI IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Gifu, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Kyoto, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
The monkey is the ninth sign of the Japanese zodiac and used to be The monkey is holding a peach, the branch visible on the underside, considered to dispel ill will, ease births and be a messenger to the gods. between his left arm and right leg and is taking a healthy bite, while This masterfully carved netsuke with fine fur pattern shows him putting scratching himself with his other hand. The netsuke perfectly embodies berries in his mouth with great relish. He is holding the berry bush the visible satisfaction of the monkey. Hogen Rantei became famous between his chest and his arms and the beautiful and crisply carved for his incredibly detailed and naturalistic representations of animals. leaves and berries emerge between his legs and under his arms. The He was a master of hairwork, Lazarnick even compares his hairwork monkey is male, with expressed genitals that look eerily similar to the to that of Kaigyokusai, a comparison which is especially evident in this berries, and has eyes inlaid with pale translucent horn, the red-brown PIECE "UT WHAT REALLY DISTINGUISHED HIM WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN SOME wood is stained black. Natural himotoshi between the legs, signed of his best netsuke, are little details which make the depiction come to TOMOKAZU within an outlined reserve on one of the thighs. Kano life – like the monkey biting into the fruit producing tiny wrinkles on one Tomokazu from Gifu is regarded as one of the greatest animal netsuke side of the mouth, as he bites slightly lopsided into it. The eyes are inlaid carvers of all time and was said to have studied the animals very closely in deep black horn, producing a wild expression, and the very typical and sometimes took one or two months to finish a carving. signature can be found in a rounded reserve in sosho script RANTEI. Natural himotoshi through the legs. HEIGHT 2.9, LENGTH 4 CM HEIGHT 2.8 CM Condition: One ear has a small restoration only visible under UV light - otherwise very good condition Condition: Very good condition, expected age cracks Provenance: German private collection 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO Auction comparison: For a similar netsuke by Kano Tomokazu of a MONKEY EATING BERRIES SEE "ONHAMS &INE *APANESE !RT ,ONDON Auction comparison: A similar model of a monkey and mushroom by November 2016, lot 296. 2ANTEI SOLD AT "ONHAMS &INE *APANESE 7ORKS OF !RT 3EPTEMBER Literature comparison: A very similar work, titled “monkey eating 2011, lot 2043. berries” is pictured in Netsuke & Inro Artists and how to read their Literature comparison: A similar netsuke of a monkey by rantei eating signatures’ by George Lazarnick, 1981, page 1154. a persimmon is reproduced in Zacke, Japanische Netsuke – Austellung 1990, Vienna, no. 62 Estimate EUR 3.000,- Starting price EUR 1.500,- Estimate EUR 3.000,- Starting price EUR 1.500,-
82 83 113 A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO GROOMING MONKEYS BY MASANAO OF KYOTO "Y -ASANAO IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Kyoto, late 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
112 A very fine ivory netsuke depicting a large male monkey picking fleas AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH KAKI FRUIT BY off a smaller monkey, which is lying on its stomach, lying straightened MASATAMI out, and visibly enjoying his grooming. Their feets are touching and "Y -ASATAMI IVORY NETSUKE the overall composition of their bodies is very amusing. The work is Japan, Tokyo, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD very well detailed, the treatment of the fur is masterful, but what 111 stands out are the sensitive and humorous expressions of the monkeys AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY TRAPPING AN OCTOPUS Masatami was an expert in depicting monkeys, see for example – a characteristic trait for the artist. A genuine netsuke by the great BY MASATAMI the previous no. 111 in this catalog for another fine carving by Masanao of Kyoto, though not his most outstanding work, however "Y -ASATAMI IVORY NETSUKE the artist. In this netsuke the monkey is shown screaming, with the facial expressions, composition and manner of carving without a Japan, Tokyo, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD sensitive facial features, executed in the unmistakable style of the doubt coherent with his style. Natural himotoshi, very good patina and artist. He is holding a long and thin branch draped over his back signature in an oval reserve MASANAO. This netsuke references a legend in which the octopus-physician WITH A LEAF AND A SMOOTH KAKI FRUIT AT THE END 4HE MONKEY saru) to Ryujin THE $RAGON +ING OF THE 3EA PRESCRIBES A MONKEYS LIVER IS ONE OF THE SIGNS OF THE *APANESE ZODIAC $ENSE lNELY CARVED AND HEIGHT 3.3 CM, LENGTH 4.1 CM to heal the King’s daughter. The octopus was sent to overpower partially stained fur, very well-rounded composition, with natural a monkey, however in this netsuke the monkey has outwitted the himotoshi and signed on one leg on the underside MASATAMI. Condition: Considerable wear and age cracks, the two hands of the OCTOPUS tako) and trapped him under a mortar. The octopus is smaller monkey have been restored and one hand and the tail of the visibly annoyed by this, as the monkey pulls on one of his tentacles. HEIGHT 3 CM LARGER MONKEY IS REATTACHED PLEASE CONSULT FURTHER IMAGES FOR MORE The head of the tako is very well-crafted with large inlaid eyes. The details), one or more eyes are replaced monkey, with fine fur and inlaid eyes is carved in the characteristic Condition: Very good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION style of the artist, whose signature is found behind the monkey on Provenance: French private collection the mortar, MASATAMI. Literature comparison: A similar netsuke of a monkey by Masanao is Estimate EUR 1.200,- illustrated in The Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the Archives HEIGHT 2.5 CM Starting price EUR 600,- OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART ! &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY George Lazarnick), New York, 1986, page 440. Another similar netsuke Condition: Excellent condition with the same depiction by Masanao is in the Atchley collection. 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO Estimate EUR 3.000,- Starting price EUR 1.500,- Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
84 85 114 115 A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY CARRYING A LARGE AN AMUSING IVORY NETSUKE OF A SMALL MONKEY CARRYING A MUSHROOM LARGE MUSHROOM Unsigned, ivory netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
The seated monkey is carrying a large shimeji mushroom on his A humorous depiction with precisely executed details. A gigantic shimeji back, the radial gills well expressed and with a smooth cap with mushroom with a smooth top and deeply incised radial gills as well the a beautiful honey patina. A very similar depiction to the next no. characteristic bulbous stem. A small monkey, not even half the mushroom 115, however even though the monkey is considerably larger, he cap’s size is carrying it– apparently, he has developed a taste for it, as he is having a much harder time carrying his large mushroom, even seems very happy with his find, as he is running off, not overwhelmed by the using both hands as he is visibly exhausted and drawing for air with size and weight at all. Large and good himotoshi in the recessed smooth top his mouth opened. His exhaustion is so great that he is contracting of the cap. his toes, trying to lift the slipping mushroom. Perhaps this monkey can learn something from the other one. The eyes inlaid in pale HEIGHT 5.5 CM translucent horn and the himotoshi in the smooth mushroom cap. Condition: Excellent condition, good patina HEIGHT 3.7 CM 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
Condition: Very good condition, minor imperfection to one eye, Estimate EUR 800,- and a gorgeous patina Starting price EUR 400,- Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 600,-
86 87 116 117 A RARE AND EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO A FINE AND RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF THE SANBIKI MONKEYS SARU Unsigned, ivory netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, %DO PERIOD A well-loved and early piece with significant amount OF WEAR AND A BEAUTIFUL PATINA $EPICTED IS A LARGE An ivory netsuke of the three wise monkeys, also known male monkey with a smaller monkey resting on his as sanbiki saru, shown here as a large monkey with two thigh. The larger monkey is looking upwards, with of its young. The larger monkey is holding the mouth many wrinkles in his face and bulging eyes, while the of the young monkey on his shoulder and the eyes of younger monkey is depicted sensitively with closed the other child to his left. In return, they are holding his eyes and sleeping, producing an interesting contrast. ears, thus completing the representation of the three The father rests one hand on the young monkey’s wise monkeys, which embody the proverbial principle back, which visually calms him, and uses the other of ‘speak no evil’, ‘hear no evil’ and ‘see no evil’. A to scratch his back. Good and well-hidden himotoshi charming and unusual netsuke with a beautiful patina through the side and the belly. and good, large himotoshi to the reverse.
HEIGHT 4.8 CM HEIGHT 6.6 CM
Condition: An old chip to the larger monkey’s foot, Condition: Good condition, expected age cracks many expected age cracks, beautiful patina with some 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION STORED IN A BANK honey colored areas vault for 40 years, collection no. 80 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED Estimate EUR 1.500,- & 1984, inventory no. 99 Starting price EUR 750,-
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
88 89 ROOSTERROOSTER/ / TORI
118 A GOOD KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A COCKEREL ON A WAR DRUM Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, Kyoto, late 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A very good ivory netsuke depicting a cockerel on a war drum, the drum is incised with a powerful image of a dragon on both sides. A cockerel on a drum, a COMBINATION OFTEN SEEN IN NETSUKE ART OR OTHER FORMS of Japanese art), is a symbol of peace and contentment, as legend says that a war drum was lying around for so LONG DURING UNUSUALLY PEACEFUL TIMES OF THE %DO PERIOD that hens and roosters began to live in it. The rooster, with finely carved plumage, has a fierce expression, and lifts one leg, lending movement to the composition. Very good patina with honey spots in some areas. Himotoshi through the drum and the underside of the cockerel.
HEIGHT 5.8 CM
Condition: Excellent condition, beautiful patina 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED inventory no. 112
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
119 A FINE NETSUKE OF A COCKEREL ON A DRUM BY KOJITSU (1790-1873) "Y +OJITSU IVORY NETSUKE WITH HORN INLAY Japan, Edo, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
4HE COCKEREL tori) or rooster is the tenth animal in the zodiac and a symbol of potency and power. In this netsuke the bird with masterfully carved and dense plumage, is standing proudly on the drum. Its head is raised, and the beautifully carved tail feathers form an elegant curve. The drum is smooth on the top and bottom, with a wood grain pattern engraved on the sides, as well as inlaid dark-red horn buttons arranged in two rows. The motif of the cockerel on drum signifies peace, since the drum represents a war drum which was lying around for so long that roosters and hens began to live in it. Large and irregular himotoshi on the underside next to the signature KOJITSU. Ikkosai Kojitsu was a pupil of Meikeisai Hojitsu of Edo/Tokyo.
HEIGHT 4.8 CM
Condition: Very good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
90 91 DOG / INU
121 A FINE NETSUKE OF A PUPPY WITH AWABI BY YAMAGUCHI OKATOMO "Y /KATOMO IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A very fine and sensitive study of a young and chubby pup resting his front paws on an awabi ABALONE SHELL ! CLASSIC MODEL FROM Yamaguchi Okatomo, one of the greatest artists from Kyoto. The dog is carved very naturalistically, with neatly incised and inked fur, which has been worn over time. The expression of the puppy is achieved masterfully – a mixture of deep satisfaction with a hint of playfulness. The eyes are inlaid in reddish horn and the signature is located on one of the buttocks in a square reserve OKATOMO. Natural himotoshi.
HEIGHT 3.3 CM
Condition: Very good condition Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Auction comparison: Compare to another model of a puppy with !WABI BY /KATOMO SOLD AT #HRISTIES *APANESE !RT AND $ESIGN London, 16 May 2012, lot 63.
Estimate EUR 1.500,- 120 Starting price EUR 750,- A CHARMING AND FINE NETSUKE OF A DOG WITH PUP BY TANETOSHI "Y 4ANETOSHI IVORY NETSUKE Japan, 20th century
A masterfully animated group of finely crafted figures. The quality of this work is that of Kaigyokusai or Rantei. The dog is wearing a collar, its anatomy is executed very precisely, the costal arch, fine fur, dark inlaid eyes. Its tail is coiled, the younger dog is lying on its back between his front legs and is being held down by the FATHER "OTH EXPRESSIONS ARE CHARMING NATURALISTIC AND MASTERFULLY 122 executed. Underneath the signature TANETOSHI with seal 㖶. The A CHARMING IVORY NETSUKE OF A DOG ON AN AWABI BY artist is the son of Meigyokusai, a Japanese contemporary artist GYOKUSAI from the lineage of Gyokuzan. A very unusual piece since it shows "Y 'YOKUSAI IVORY NETSUKE wear and patina. Japan, Tokyo, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
HEIGHT 3.5 CM ! YOUNG PUPPY LYING COMFORTABLY ON AN ABALONE awabi), its head on the characteristic row of holes. Young puppies such as this one Condition: Very good condition, beautiful patina are a symbol of good health, while dried abalone meat was often Provenance: Austrian private collection gifted and represented a long life. The puppy has black inlaid eyes. Himotoshi on the underside, signed GYOKUSAI on an inlaid small Estimate EUR 2.000,- mother-of-pearl plaque. The artist is probably the one mentioned in Starting price EUR 1.000,- MCI as being from the Tomochika school.
HEIGHT 2.2 CM, LENGTH 3.6 CM
Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-
92 93 125 A FINE AND RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A DOG WITH LARGE 123 BALL BY CHOSEN A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO PUPPIES BY KAGETOSHI "Y #HOSEN WOOD NETSUKE "Y +AGETOSHI WOOD NETSUKE *APAN +YOTO TH CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Kyoto, first half of the 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD The netsuke in very distinct Kyoto style, and with great affinities to This work from the great Winkworth collection shows two works by Okatomo. The dog wearing a collar is crafted very finely, characteristically chubby puppies. The smaller puppy is climbing on his with detailed hairwork, expressed spine, floppy ears, curly tail and friend, their fur is masterfully incised – a fine, ideally rounded and very 124 a sensitive expression with the pupils inlaid in black horn. He has lively work. Inlaid eyes, natural himotoshi between the legs, minutely A FINE AND RARE HIRADO PORCELAIN NETSUKE OF TWO his left paw placed on a large ball, with engraved patterns. Natural incised signature in a square reserve reading KAGETOSHI, a significant DOGS ON A BASKET himotoshi through the legs and the signature on the right hindleg netsuke master who probably worked in Kyoto, although being Unsigned, Hirado porcelain netsuke in a rectangular reserve CHOSEN. mentioned to have been from Nagoya. Japan, Hirado, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD 4HE ARTIST IS RECORDED BY .EIL $AVEY IN HIS PUBLICATION Netsuke: A Note: With old handwritten label noting the aforementioned collection Two puppies playing about, one climbing on top of the other, and Comprehensive Study Based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, with (misspelled “Winckworth”) as well as the year “1820”. Winkworth was the other with a string from the basket in its mouth and holding the note ‘Wood, early’, and it appears to be the first netsuke ever an expert at Sotheby’s in London and a friend of Marcel Lorber, who an awabi shell with one paw. Puppies symbolize good health while seen on the market by this rare and excellent carver, who quite originated our netsuke symposia, VNS, in the 1980s. dried awabi strips were a popular gift representing a long life. possibly belonged to the Okatomo school. This netsuke is made from pure white porcelain, with a beautiful HEIGHT 2.7 CM shimmering glaze and an oily feel to it. Hirado netsuke of this HEIGHT 3.8 CM quality are rare to find. Condition: Excellent condition Condition: Excellent condition, very good worn patina 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION FORMERLY FROM THE 7 7 HEIGHT 4 CM Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Winkworth collection Condition: Good condition, possibly a small chip to the rope in the Estimate EUR 2.500,- Auction comparison: A similar netsuke of a puppy by Kagetoshi was mouth of one the puppies Starting price EUR 1.250,- sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, Vienna, 2 June Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman 2018, lot 12. Estimate EUR 800,- Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 400,-
94 95 126 127 AN IVORY KYOTO SCHOOL NETSUKE OF A DOG WITH A BALL AN IVORY KYOTO SCHOOL NETSUKE OF A SHAGGY DOG Unsigned, ivory netsuke Inscribed Tomomasa, ivory netsuke Japan, Kyoto, first half of the 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Kyoto, first half of the 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
The dog is carved in the style of the Kyoto school, its small head The seated dog is carved in the style of the Kyoto school, with turned backwards and both front paws on a ball, note the beautiful densely and expressively incised shaggy fur. Its small head is turned details of the paws. The dog is wearing a collar around its neck, its backwards with an alert expression and carved in a naturalistic fur, ribs and spine are precisely executed. Its small head is carved manner, both eyes are inlaid with in black horn. Large himotoshi in a very lively manner, with lustrous black inlaid eyes. Natural on the underside, inscribed between the front and hind legs himotoshi BETWEEN THE LEGS AND BALL 4HE DOG inu) is one of the TOMOMASA. twelve signs of the Japanese zodiac. HEIGHT 3.3 CM HEIGHT 3.4 CM, LENGTH 4.2 CM Condition: The end of the right foreleg with a small chip, otherwise Condition: Very good condition, beautiful patina with in good condition with a very appealing patina; the signature may honey spots in some areas be a later addition Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London gentleman 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
96 97 128 AN EXCEPTIONAL AND RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A BITCH WITH PUP BY RANSEKI "Y 2ANSEKI IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Kyoto, 19th century, Edo period
! LARGE FEMALE DOG inu) wearing a collar with a bell, standing upright with one paw raised and looking downwards. She wears a cap on her head with a symbol of the Dharma wheel on her head, which is quite unusual. The dog’s fur pattern is executed in a lively manner, and the patina, especially on the backside, is beautiful and WORN "ETWEEN ITS LEG A SUCKLING YOUNG dog, so small and fine that it can be easily overlooked. Very good and well-hidden himotoshi through the belly and underside. Signed RANSEKI on a small plate.
Ranseki was one of the late followers of Hogen Rantei and not many of his works are recorded. His works were generally small and carved with great detail, invariably in ivory. This particular piece has the feel of an 18th century Kyoto piece, however unique in its expression and style.
HEIGHT 6 CM 129 130 Condition: Very good condition, beautiful A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A PUPPY ON A FAN AFTER AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A LARGE CHUBBY PUPPY BY patina and wear KAIGYOKUSAI MASATSUGU (1813-1892) TOMOCHIKA 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH Signed Kaigyokudo, after Kaigyokusai, ivory netsuke "Y 4OMOCHIKA IVORY NETSUKE two valuations from Sotheby’s, by Neil Japan, Osaka, mid to late 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Tokyo, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY no. 142 A very fine netsuke of a puppy on a flat, slightly tattered fan. The The characteristically large and chubby puppy is carved in the style dog has a very pleased expression, the puppy symbolizing good of the Kyoto school, with densely incised, black-colored fur, both Auction comparison: For another very fine health. The puppy has a band with tassels around its neck, the fan ears folded forwards and a collar. The head has a lively expression NETSUKE BY THIS RARE ARTIST SEE "ONHAMS also with a further tassel. Large himotoshi through the fan on the with black inlaid eyes and an open mouth. Himotoshi on the &INE .ETSUKE FROM THE !DRIENNE "ARBANSON underside, beside the signature +!)'9/+5$/ IDENTIFYING THE underside, signed TOMOCHIKA within a rectangular reserve. Collection, London, 13 May 2013, lot 3. artist as Kaigyokudo Masateru, a son of the famed Kaigyokusai from Osaka, however Ueda Reikichi states that the latter also LENGTH 4.5 CM Estimate EUR 3.000,- signed Kaigyokudo until the age of 20, so it is possible that this is Starting price EUR 1.500,- an early work of the artist himself. Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION LENGTH 5.8 CM Estimate EUR 1.000,- Condition: Very good condition Starting price EUR 500,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
98 99 YEAR OF THE BOAR BOAR / INOSHISHI 1935 - 1947 - 1959 - 1971 - 1983 - 1995 - 2007 - 2019
131 132 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A JUMPING BOAR A CHARMING WOOD NETSUKE OF A BOAR BY TOMOSADA Unsigned, ivory netsuke "Y 4OMOSADA WOOD NETSUKE Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
4HE BOAR inoshishi) is a symbol of daredevilry and the bravest of all The boar, or inoshishi, is the twelfth sign of the Japanese zodiac, animals as well as one of the signs of the Japanese zodiac. This boar is considered the bravest of the animals and also symbolizes has its head raised upwards and its front legs tucked up, creating daredevilry. It is also called yamakujira, or “mountain whale”. THE APPEARANCE OF THE BOAR BEING ABOUT TO JUMP $ENSE FUR PATTERN The fur is neatly incised and accentuated with dark coloration. the animal’s muscles are accentuated, its wild expression captured Himotoshi on the underside and between them the signature well. Himotoshi on the belly. 4/-/3!$!
LENGTH 3.4 CM LENGTH 5 CM
Condition: One hoof is chipped, otherwise good condition Condition: The wood bearing a fine patina, good and original Provenance: Private collection of London-based gentleman condition Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,- Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-
100 101 133 134 AN EXCELLENT IVORY NETSUKE OF A SEATED A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A BOAR BY RANTEI BOAR "Y 2ANTEI IVORY NETSUKE Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, Kyoto, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD A fine netsuke of a recumbent boar, with its left front leg slightly raised, and mouth wide open baring 4HE BOAR inoshishi) is the twelfth sign of the its teeth, as if it is about to roar. The hairwork is masterful and comparable to that of the Osaka master Japanese zodiac and such a netsuke is the ideal Kaigyokusai Masatsugu. Long autumn grasses extend from below up around the back and the right foreleg. piece for someone born in the year of the pig. This The underside equally beautifully carved and with the signature RANTEI in a circular reserve. The inscription boar has a very appealing yellowish patina, with HOGEN, which is an honorary title, can be found in a rectangular reserve on the boar´s back. Natural dense and finely executed fur. However, what really himotoshi through the legs. stands out is the posture and expression of the boar. It has one hoof slightly raised while it lifts his HEIGHT 3.1 CM, LENGTH 4.8 CM head, the ears laid back, and opening its mouth, as if it was about to let a powerful roar. The rows of Condition: A large crack through the boar and the left front leg has been reattached - otherwise good teeth are carefully carved as well as the two small condition tusks to the side of the mouth. The underside is Provenance: European private collection carved exquisitely with the hooves and legs almost coming to life. Good himotoshi on the underside Literature comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke of a boar signed Rantei illustrated in The as well. -EINERTZHAGEN #ARD )NDEX ON .ETSUKE IN THE !RCHIVES OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART " &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE ,AZARNICK .EW 9ORK PAGE LENGTH 4.3 CM Estimate EUR 2.000,- Condition: A small chip to the side of the tail, some Starting price EUR 1.000,- age cracks, otherwise good condition with a very appealing patina Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
102 103 135 A FINE KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO RESTING BOARS Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, Kyoto, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
The netsuke depicts a tranquil scene of a boar and its young resting on a bed of autumn leaves, ferns and grasses, with two branches extending from the bottom and resting on the boar’s backs. The scene is crafted with incredibly sensitive details – one almost does not want to touch it in the fear of waking these beautiful animals up, however when picking it up and twisting and turning it, one immediately notices the warm and worn patina of the piece – luckily the boars are still asleep, as they are known to be wild and dangerous creatures, though nothing in this netsuke would give that impression; they are sleeping beasts. The beautifully carved underside with very good, large and irregular himotoshi. It is known that netsuke owners would switch their netsuke according to the season, and the present piece would be a wonderful example for the autumn season.
LENGTH 5 CM
Condition: Excellent condition with a beautiful worn patina 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION ACQUIRED AT 3OTHEBYS ,ONDON 24th April 1967
Auction comparison: A comparable example was sold at Van Ham, !SIATISCHE +UNST #OLOGNE $ECEMBER LOT
Estimate EUR 5.000,- Starting price EUR 2.500,-
104 105 ZODIAC / JUNISHI
136 137 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF THE TWELVE ANIMALS OF THE ZODIAC BY ONO AN IVORY NETSUKE DEPICTING THE ANIMALS OF THE RYOMIN ZODIAC BY MEIGYOKUSAI By Ryomin, ivory netsuke "Y -EIGYOKUSAI IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of the 19th century Japan, 20th century
A very compact and incredibly charming netsuke of the twelve zodiac animals An exceptionally dense group of the twelve animals of the Japanese also known as Junishi. The animals are arranged neatly in a circle and are ZODIAC 4HE SMOOTH LIGHT HORSE uma) is in the center, with the climbing on top of each other. The monkey (saru) is riding on top of the horse RAT nezumi) on top of it. The horse’s muzzle rests on the boar (uma), a popular netsuke motif on its own and an allusion to the Chinese inoshishi ON WHICH THE SNAKE hebi) coils. The next animals principle of climbing the bureaucratic ladder. The tiger (tora) is looking upwards STARTING FROM THE BOAR ARE THE DOG inu MONKEY saru TIGER tora), with a red-tinted mouth, as well as the dragon (tatsu) which winds across the OX ushi RABBIT usagi AND THE ROOSTER tori 4HE SHEEP hitsuji) entire composition with a little rat (nezumi) climbing upon it – the dragon’s lies under the heavy ox while the dangerous-looking scaled dragon expression is crafted vividly, and the mouth is also tinted red. Next is the boar tatsu) is tucked between the dog, monkey and horse with one (inoshishi) with a large rabbit (usagi) on its head, and another one next to it. The of its claws on the dog. An amusingly lively arrangement of the rooster (tori) with hen are found on top of the ox (ushi), with a little dog (inu) animals’ many legs on the underside. Signed MEIGYOKUSAI on the next to it and above the dog a sensitively crafted goat (hitsuji) with another little dragon’s tail. rat on its head. Finally, the last animal, the snake (hebi), is carved so delicately that one can almost miss it. The underside with a cluster of hooves and legs with Kinsey writes in her book ‘Contemporary Netsuke’ on page 248: the kao of Ono Ryomin on a little tablet. Ono Ryomin was regarded as one of “Meigyokusai is synonymous with expert workmanship, strong and the most brilliant carvers of netsuke in the latter half of the 19th century. usually traditional design, and great versatility”.
HEIGHT 3.1 CM HEIGHT 2.5 CM, LENGTH 4.2 CM
Condition: One of the paws of the puppy have been restored, and half of the Condition: Excellent condition signature tablet is probably replaced, as only the kao is visible – generally, in very 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION good condition, considering the incredibly intricate and fragile design Provenance: Formerly Kolodotschko collection Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,- Estimate EUR 3.000,- Starting price EUR 1.500,-
106 107 SCENES FROM DAILY LIFE
138 139 140 141 A RARE MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A FISHERMAN BY AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A FARMER WITH DOG BY MINZAN AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MAN WEARING A MASK AND A AN AMUSING IVORY NETSUKE OF A FOX CATCHER MINKOKU By Minzan, ivory netsuke DOG Unsigned, ivory netsuke By Minkoku, marine ivory netsuke with lacquer inlay Japan, Edo/Tokyo, mid to late 19th century Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD An ivory netsuke of a farmer, his robes decorated with a triangular The man is probably a farmer, is wearing simple clothes and A lively, masterfully executed study of a fisherman on the side dot pattern, smiling and using a hoe on soil, with an adorable and A man seated on the ground, a dog sitting on his feet. The man is attempts to catch a fox with a large hat, but the canny animal has of the street offering his merchandise, with a basket full of fish smooth little dog next to him. Natural himotoshi and signature hiding his face behind a mask, which shows a peaceful smile. The jumped on the man’s back. The man has both arms pressed on the beside him. The chin-bearded man is wearing a black lacquer cap on the underside MINZAN. The artist was a student of Chikuyosai DOG ON THE OTHER HAND SHOWS A RATHER GRIM EXPRESSION "OTH ARE hat lying on the ground and his face shows he is both irritated and and shows a seductive expression, trying to appeal to customers. Tomochika II. looking forward. A finely stained and polished work with large amused. Neatly incised details, black inlaid eyed on both the man The wickerwork of the basket as well as the garment patterns are himotoshi through the underside and back. and the fox, himotoshi through the man’s behind. minutely executed. Signed MINKOKU on the base next to the small HEIGHT 4.3 CM himotoshi. Excellent use of this rare material. HEIGHT 3.2 CM HEIGHT 3.6 CM Condition: Excellent condition HEIGHT 3 CM, LENGTH 4.6 CM Provenance: British private collection Condition: Excellent condition, fine patina Condition: Very good condition with a fine patina Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Condition: Very good condition Estimate EUR 500,- Provenance: Dutch private collection, old museum number Starting price EUR 250,- Estimate EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 300,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,-
108 109 142 143 A TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A STANDING A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING SARUMAWASHI AND HIS MONKEY SARUMAWASHI WITH MONKEY Unsigned, ivory netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
An ideally standing, larger figural netsuke The Sarumawashi MONKEY TRAINER WAS A STREET depicting a Sarumawashi hMONKEY TRAINERv artist who performed tricks with his monkey. These would perform tricks with their monkeys In this netsuke the monkey trainer is depicted on the street for passersby. The monkey trainer sleeping, with sensitively crafted facial features, is laughing gleefully and is holding a taming while the normally obedient monkey is grabbing STICK WHILE THE TINY MONKEY saru) is sitting on the basket of the food behind his back. The his shoulder and clothed. Strong, lively carving ivory bearing a very good patina and the large of the garment folds, very good patina and himotoshi on the underside. himotoshi on the reverse. HEIGHT 2.5 CM, LENGTH 4.6 CM HEIGHT 8.5 CM Condition: Very good condition, minor age Condition: Good condition, the ivory worn with cracks a very good patina on the backside and some Provenance: "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO age cracks, one foot repaired VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY Provenance: European private collection dated 1974 & 1984, inventory no. 55
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 750,- Starting price EUR 600,-
144 A CHARMING IVORY NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING TEMPLE SERVANT Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, first half of the 19th century, Edo period
This netsuke shows a temple servant, dressed in flowing robes and wearing an eboshi, who has fallen asleep seated on a rolled-up umbrella, with a blissfully dreaming face with fine features. Good and large himotoshi through the side and underside. The ivory of a good color with a fine patina.
LENGTH 6.2 CM
Condition: Very good condition, the ivory showing signs of wear with a fine patina and a few expected age cracks Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-
110 111 145 146 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MASK CARVER BY GYOKUZAN A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH DRUM AND "Y 'YOKUZAN IVORY NETSUKE SHISHIMAI MASK BY TOMOKAZU Japan, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD "Y 4OMOKAZU IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Kyoto, mid to late 19th century The small mask carver is working hard on a highly expressive mask, larger than the man himself, lying on the ground. The mask with An unusual and fine netsuke depicting a monkey wearing a lion mask, courtly headpiece might be the thunder god Kaminari, also known used for the Shishimai festival dance, while beating the drum before as Raiden. The demonic face with staring, black inlaid eyes under him with a mallet. The Shishimai festival was imported from China wild bushy brows and mouth wide open. The work’s stunningly during the Tang dynasty and is celebrated during the New Year to bring 148 149 precise details are partly executed in a realist manner, like the spread, good luck and ward off evil spirits. The jaw of the lion mask is hinged AN AMUSING IVORY NETSUKE OF BLINDMEN SCUFFLING A FINE IVORY OKIMONO NETSUKE OF A FRUSTRATED RAT muscular legs or the man’s face with an expression almost as wild with a metal wire and the eyes are double inlaid in ivory and black AND A DOG BY RYOJI CATCHER BY SEIKEI as that of the thunder god, possibly meant to depict the wind god horn. Amazingly, the face of the monkey is carved inside the mask, "Y 2YOJI IVORY NETSUKE "Y 3EIKEI IVORY OKIMONO NETSUKE Futen. Signed on the underside on the mask GYOKUZAN. and the eyes, as well, are inlaid in dark horn. The fur and paws of the Japan, Tokyo, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD *APAN TH CENTURY %DO PERIOD monkey are finely carved, and the signature is found in a rounded HEIGHT 2.8 CM, LENGTH 4.3 CM reserve on one of the buttocks reading TOMOKAZU. Kano Tomokazu An entire group of blindmen, with closed eyes, bumps on their The rat catcher, equipped with a large club, is holding down a box from Gifu opened a school in Kyoto during the latter half of the 19th heads and empty expressions, pouncing on each other, two of with one hand in an effort to catch the rat, which has escaped onto Condition: Excellent condition century, and most likely this fine carving originates from this school. them with clubs, one has fallen on his back, a small dog beside him. his back. He is visibly frustrated, as he is exclaiming while turning 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM A masterful, minutely sculptural work with a dense composition. his head and looking at the innocent rat which has eluded him. 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO HEIGHT 3.2 CM A parasol and the himotoshi and the signature RYOJI in a rounded The rat (nezumi) is a symbol of wealth and the companion of the reserve on the underside. The ivory stained and of a very good LUCKY GOD $AIKOKU 4HAT MAY EXPLAIN WHY RAT CATCHERS HAD SUCH A Estimate EUR 800,- Condition: Excellent condition color with an excellent finish. The artist was a student of Ono bad reputation, since he is usually depicted emaciated, ugly and Starting price EUR 400,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Ryomin in Tokyo. demonic, as in the present carving. All eyes inlaid in dark horn, and the signature on the underside SEIKEI. Estimate EUR 600,- HEIGHT 4.8 CM, LENGTH 4.7 CM Starting price EUR 300,- HEIGHT 4.2 CM, LENGTH 5.6 CM Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Condition: Minor age cracks, the bottom section of the club has 147 been repaired and the top section reattached. Otherwise in good AN IVORY CHILDREN’S NETSUKE OF AN EGG TESTER Estimate EUR 1.200,- condition Unsigned, ivory children’s netsuke Starting price EUR 600,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Literature comparison: Compare to another netsuke by Seikei of A very small, probably a children’s netsuke, standing figurine of an egg tester, holding an egg A RAT CATCHER THOUGH IN WOOD ILLUSTRATED IN THE "AUR COLLECTION against the sunlight, squinting one of his eyes and examining the egg’s quality and translucence. Marie-Therese Coullery and Martin S. Newstead, Geneve, 1977, He is only wearing a loincloth and carrying a basket attached to a rope. The smallest details are page 221, C 590. executed with the greatest precision. Fine patina and tiny himotoshi in the behind. Estimate EUR 1.200,- (%)'(4 #- ,%.'4( #- Starting price EUR 600,-
Condition: One leg has been reattached, otherwise very good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,-
112 113 FOREIGNERS
&OREIGNERS ALSO CALLED Nanban, as they usually approached Japan from the South) hold a special place in netsuke art as they aroused great curiosity in the Japanese mind, since Japan was virtually closed off from the rest of the world due to the isolationist policy of the Tokugawa shogunate. Foreigners were almost never seen by the public as they were isolated and strictly watched, such as the $UTCH WHO WERE CONlNED TO THE ISLAND OF $EJIMA #ARVERS HAD TO RELY ON RUMORS PAINTINGS OR WOODBLOCK PRINTS AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE appearances and features of these foreigners were increasingly exaggerated throughout the arts, lending very well to the caricaturist nature of the netsuke carver.
150 151 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A GROTESQUE FOREIGNER WITH AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A GROTESQUE DUTCHMAN WITH DRUM AND MONKEY BY MASAHARU TWO DOGS "Y -ASAHARU IVORY NETSUKE WITH HORN INLAY Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD 152 153 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH A RARE AND LARGE IVORY OKIMONO NETSUKE OF A An unusual ivory netsuke of a deformed man, probably a 4HE $UTCH WERE THE ONLY FOREIGNERS ALLOWED AFTER THE 4OKUGAWA CHILD SHIP FULL OF DUTCHMEN foreigner, holding a stick in one hand and placing his other government virtually closed off Japan and expelled the Portuguese Unsigned, ivory netsuke Unsigned, ivory okimono netsuke hand on a drum with inlaid horn buttons. Next to the drum IN 4HE $UTCH WERE CONlNED TO THE ISLAND OF $ESHIMA @EXIT Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, late 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD is a little monkey with inlaid eyes seated on a sack with a fan island’) in Nagasaki bay, therefore relatively little was known underneath, perhaps suggesting that it is Hotei’s treasure sack. about them and netsuke carvers knew of them predominantly ! STANDING $UTCHMAN WITH A GROTESQUE FACE IS ! TOTAL OF EIGHT $UTCHMAN POPULATE THIS LARGE TWO TIERED SHIP Good and large himotoshi on the underside of the drum next FROM WOODBLOCK PRINTS 4HEREFORE DEPICTIONS OF $UTCHMEN WERE A beating a drum, the sides inlaid with horn buttons, with an expressive dragon prow. The front and back show to the signature MASAHARU. mixture of caricatures combined with known elements, sometimes which he is holding in his raised hand. His parodic two lookouts, one with a telescope, and the ship is powered even bordering the grotesque, rather than exact portraits. facial expression shows he is deep into the groove, BY TWO OARSMEN ON EACH SIDE 4HE OTHER $UTCHMEN ARE ALL HEIGHT 3.5 CM his eyes are inlaid with dark horn. He is wearing a relaxing, enjoying themselves and smoking their pipes, except An early netsuke of triangular shape with a very good patina headpiece and a long, densely patterned garment. for the one who is crawling out of the structure by the bow Condition: Age cracks and two horn buttons lost, generally in SHOWING CONSIDERABLE WEAR $EPICTED IS A GROTESQUE VERSION OF A A boy is sitting by his feet, blowing a trumpet with with a very amusing facial expression. The ship is decorated good condition $UTCHMAN WITH PARODIED FEATURES SUCH AS THE VERY LARGE NOSE AND all his power. Himotoshi through the man’s behind with waves on the underside next to the central himotoshi, Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman silly expression. He is wearing the characteristic hat, has long hair and one leg. A fine composition imbued with a lot of though the carving was likely used as an okimono. AND IS HOLDING A FAN AMUSINGLY SUGGESTING THE $UTCHMAN IS LIKE movement. Estimate EUR 800,- Sennin and gods, of otherworldly origin. Two playful dogs are HEIGHT 6 CM, LENGTH 10 CM Starting price EUR 400,- seated in front of him embracing each other. The garments of the HEIGHT 5.2 CM $UTCHMAN ARE lNELY DECORATED WITH LEAVES AND THE LARGE himotoshi Condition: The ivory worn with some cracks, the telescope are found in the back and underside. Condition: Worn condition, minor losses to inlay of OF THE $UTCHMAN AT THE STERN IS RESTORED GENERALLY IN GOOD the drum, and a chip to the edge of the garments of condition with yellow-honey patina in some areas HEIGHT 3.8 CM THE $UTCHMAN 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Condition: Expected age cracks and wear – good and complete Estimate EUR 2.000,- condition Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 1.000,- Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Starting price EUR 400,-
Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-
114 115 154 155 A TALL AND FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A A RARE MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH COCKEREL DUTCHMAN WITH A COCKEREL Unsigned, ivory netsuke Unsigned, marine ivory netsuke Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
4HE TALL $UTCHMAN IS WEARING A LARGE TUSSLED 4HE $UTCHMAN IS WEARING AN ALLONGE WIG AND A hat and has a humorous expression, typically large hat with tassels. He is holding a cockerel with caricaturized, with a large nose, wide-opened beautiful tail feathers visible on the back. Very eyes and compressed lips. He is holding a cockerel dense and precisely carved patterns on the garment, in his hands, probably referring to the pastime of small buttons inset with black horn on the reverse. COCKlGHTING IN THE $UTCH COMPANY (E HAS CURLY $UTCHMEN WERE ONLY KNOWN TO NETSUKE ARTISTS FROM hair and the seam of his long coat is incised with the woodblock prints from Nagasaki and were fine waves, since they came to Japan from the the only Europeans allowed in Japan, after the ocean. He wears knee breeches, stockings and Portuguese were expelled in 1638. clogs for shoes. ‘Chimney himotoshi’ through the BACK AND UNDERSIDE $UTCHMEN WERE ONLY KNOWN HEIGHT 7.2 CM to netsuke artists from the woodblock prints from Nagasaki and were the only Europeans allowed in Condition: Very good condition, two of the horn Japan, after the Portuguese were expelled in 1638. buttons on the reverse are lost 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION 3OTHEBYS BY HEIGHT 9.5 CM .EIL + $AVEY FROM INVENTORY NO
Condition: Very good condition, a minor Estimate EUR 2.000,- imperfection by the tussle, expected minor age Starting price EUR 1.000,- cracks and the ivory with some wear and a fine patina Provenance: European private collection, Ex June Schuerch and previously acquired at Sagemonoya, Tokyo
Estimate EUR 3.000,- Starting price EUR 1.500,-
116 117 156 AN EXCELLENT AND TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A LAUGHING DUTCHMAN WITH LANTERN Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A pointedly humorous and very large netsuke sculpture showing a forcefully laughing, bearded $UTCHMAN 4HE $UTCHMANS INCREDIBLY EXPRESSIVE FACE IS WHAT MAKES THIS NETSUKE STAND OUT HIS EYES are closed, and his mouth is wide open with visible teeth, as he lets out a hearty laugh which one can almost hear. His hairstyle is convoluted in a parodying manner, as are his expressive beard, the seam OF HIS COAT AND HIS SHOES 4HE BUTTONS OF HIS GARMENT ARE INSET WITH DARK BROWN HORN 4HE $UTCHMAN is carrying a lantern on his back, with two equally squiggled decorative elements attached. Small himotoshi IN THE BACK $UTCHMEN WERE ONLY KNOWN TO NETSUKE ARTISTS FROM THE WOODBLOCK PRINTS FROM Nagasaki and were the only Europeans allowed in Japan, after the Portuguese were expelled in 1638.
HEIGHT 10 CM
Condition: One of the voluted decorative elements, as well as one lock of his hair is restored; a thin section of the back including one of the himotoshi and two of the volutes at the seam of his coat is restored very well and inset, the ivory is worn with some age cracks Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 7.000,- Starting price EUR 3.500,-
118 119 three views
157 A FINE AND UNUSUAL IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN BY MASAKAZU "Y -ASAKAZU IVORY NETSUKE 158 Japan, Osaka, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD A VERY TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONGOLIAN ARCHER Unsigned, ivory netsuke ! lNE NETSUKE OF A $UTCHMAN WITH VERY EXPRESSIVE FACIAL FEATURES TYPICAL FOR THE /SAKA ARTIST (E HAS Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD an over-exaggeratedly wide smile with visible teeth, large and pronounced bulbous nose and almost closed eyes. He is wearing an allonge wig with curly hair, has a stubby beard and is holding a large fruit An ivory netsuke of a Mongolian Tatar archer, wearing a Chinese with a circular opening on one side with a tiny moveable bead inside, which is unusual since normally cap and robes decorated with floral and scrolling vine motifs. His ISLANDERS ARE DEPICTED WITH THESE 3INCE IT WAS KNOWN THAT THE $UTCH ENCLAVE WOULD BRING BACK ISLANDERS expression is powerful and focused, and the composition is full AS SERVANTS IT APPEARS THAT THE PRESENT $UTCHMAN HAS TAKEN THEIR BELOVED FRUIT 3PECIAL ATTENTION HAS of movement as he lifts one leg and clutches his right hand into been given to his ornate coat, which is incised with many decorative patterns and scrolling thorny vines. a fist, the knuckles strikingly carved. In his other hand he holds a One foot is lifted, lending movement to the composition, and the himotoshi are found in the back next characteristically curved Tatar bow and a long sword is attached to the signature in a rounded reserve MASAKAZU. to his obi, which goes to the other side and touches his cap at the back. Large and good himotoshi on the reverse, as well as a fine HEIGHT 7.2 CM yellowish patina.
Condition: Very good condition, fine patina, minor age crack HEIGHT 12.1 CM Provenance: French private collection Condition: Very good condition, the ivory worn with a good patina Auction comparison: Another netsuke by the artist with similar facial features was sold at Lempertz, on the backside Auction 1092, Cologne, 9 June 2017, lot 525. Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Estimate EUR 2.500,- Starting price EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 1.250,-
120 121 160 A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A GIGANTIC ISLANDER WITH A PORTUGUESE BY NOBUFUSA "Y .OBUFUSA IVORY NETSUKE Japan, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
This netsuke shows an island native, presumably the giant Kochi, he is naked except for a loincloth. Very well executed, the islander of a somewhat mythical appearance, the head is attached to the shoulders and the face is carved in a lively manner. The islander is holding a doll-like Portuguese man, a tenth of his size, with both hands on his shoulder. The man in typical Portuguese garment and headpiece is holding on to the giant’s hair. Good himotoshi on the islander’s behind, beside the signature ./"5&53! WITHIN A WAVY RESERVE
HEIGHT 8 CM
Condition: Good condition, a few expected age cracks, and two toes on the right foot are restored Provenance: Austrian private collection formerly acquired at Christie’s in 2002
Estimate EUR 2.000,- 159 Starting price EUR 1.000,- AN AMUSING EBONY, CORAL AND IVORY NETSUKE OF A KUROMBO DIVER Unsigned, ebony wood netsuke with coral and ivory inlay Japan, Edo/Tokyo, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A fine netsuke of a South Sea islander, also known as kurombojin. Jin means man and kurombo probably derived from the Ceylonese capital Colombo. The islander is carved from ebony wood, reflecting his deep black skin, with a non-Asian face and bald head with long curly hair on the back and sides. He is almost naked and only wearing a loincloth which is inlaid in ivory. The man is a diver and has salvaged a massive piece of coral which he is holding between his hands and feet and is fondling it with a very amusing and pleased expression. Foreigners were a popular theme in netsuke art as they aroused curiosity in the Japanese mind, since Japan WAS VIRTUALLY CLOSED OFF WITH RARE EXCEPTIONS FROM THE WORLD SINCE THE BEGINNING OF the Edo period. Therefore, not much was known about these enigmatic islanders, and their features were often exaggerated, as in this netsuke, to poke fun at them. The irregular himotoshi are found at the back, one of them ringed in ivory. The highly contrasting colors of the ebony, ivory and the bright orange coral are pleasing to the eye.
HEIGHT 4.3 CM
Condition: The feet and legs have been separately carved to fit the coral, however they have come off over time and are reattached with glue residue visible; the head is carved separately and attached with a peg to the body - the entire figure is original and requires minimal restoration to better hide the faults 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
122 123 STAG ANTLER AND OTHER RARE MATERIALS
124 125 163 A MAGNIFICENT AND RARE STAG ANTLER CARVING OF AN OCTOPUS WITH JAR Unsigned, stag antler Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
In the form of a cane handle however usable as an okimono. The elongated handle carved from a choice piece of stag antler depicting an octopus on top of a gnarly coral branch with many clams stuck to it. The octopus is holding a large barnacle- covered jar between two of his tentacles and has a fierce expression with large bulging eyes and a funnel-shaped mouth. Octopus are often depicted bursting out of jars in netsuke art, however in this piece the tables have turned. The antler is of a very good color, with the beautiful porous structure especially evident on the smooth head of the mollusk. Also note the other tentacles of the octopus which gently flow down the coral branch, the suckers expressively and naturalistically carved.
HEIGHT 12 CM
Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE ! "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION STORED IN A bank vault for 40 years, collection no. 59 two views Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,- 161 162 A STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A FISHERGIRL A RARE TALL HIPPO TOOTH NETSUKE OF ASHINAGA AND Unsigned, stag antler netsuke TENAGA Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Unsigned, hippopotamus tooth netsuke Japan, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD ! STANDING lSHERGIRL ama) nude except for a skirt. Her head is prominent due to its size, especially the forehead, her face showing Ashinaga LONG LEGS AND Tenaga LONG ARMS ARE DEPICTED HERE AS a fine, pensive expression. With one hand she is touching her fishermen, with the latter holding a well-carved seabream in his left hair and in the other she holds a sickle, which she uses to cut off hand. Their faces are carved sensitively, the pair is visibly pleased THE SEAWEED egonori) but also to search for clams and pearls. with their catch. They are both wearing mugwort loincloths and &ISHERGIRLS ama) would dive into the water while tied to a rope used Ashinaga IS HOLDING A DOUBLE GOURD hyotan) with the elixir of life to pull them back up. Large himotoshi on the reverse. The antler, in his hand – both typical attributes of Sennin, though the pair almost appearing like ivory with very little ‘imperfections’ used is are not traditionally viewed as such, but rather as Yokai from the completely hollow and the legs and the top of her hair are inserted. southern islands. The present netsuke depicts them as immortals. The artist has managed to carve a fine netsuke from a piece of Another particularity of the netsuke is the material that has been scrap material. used, which is an unusually large section of a hippo tooth – a very rare material which had to be imported. The color of the material is HEIGHT 7.2 CM beautiful, glossy and very pleasing to the eye, while the surface is highly polished. Natural himotoshi are possible, however the carving Condition: Excellent condition is more of a netsuke-okimono. 0ROVENANCE ! "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION STORED IN A BANK VAULT FOR years, collection no. 79 HEIGHT 9.5 CM
Estimate EUR 900,- Condition: Very good condition, the edge of one foot has been Starting price EUR 450,- repaired, however is not visible at all, as it has been restored to perfection Provenance: European private collection
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
126 127 165 A RARE STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A GROUP OF SEA ANIMALS Unsigned, stag antler netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
4HIS NETSUKE SHOWS A BREAM tai SQUID ika AND LOBSTER ebi) on THE UPPER SIDE A LARGE OCTOPUS tako) with extending tentacles on one side, as well as various larger and smaller fish, including A CATlSH namazu AND A FUGU $ENSE COMPOSITION WITH SOME openwork, all eyes are inlaid. Himotoshi on the underside. Excellent use of this difficult material, which appears almost like ivory, but has the porous surface of the antler material well-hidden on the sides.
LENGTH 4.5 CM
Condition: Very good condition, one eye of the ebi replaced Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
164 AN EXCEPTIONAL ASAKUSA SCHOOL WALRUS TUSK IVORY MANJU NETSUKE WITH KAPPA, FROG AND CRAB Unsigned, walrus tusk ivory netsuke Japan, Asakusa, late 19th century
A compact study with lots of movement depicting a kappa chasing after a frog, while a crab pinches the kappa, who screams out in pain, holding his leg. The entire struggle takes place on a lotus leaf, which is slowly disintegrating, slightly crumpled on the edges and showing many holes. The underside is carved with great detail, as is usual for the best Asakusa school works, with two beautifully carved stems of the lotus leaves curling up and around, one of them leading to the other side and forming a lifelike lotus bud next to the frog. The naturally porous material of the walrus ivory has been used beautifully to portray the decaying lotus leaf. Natural himotoshi through the stem of the leaf on the underside and the pupils of the frog and kappa are inlaid in dark horn. 166 A RARE STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A SHARK While attributing this netsuke to a certain carver of the Asakusa Unsigned, stag antler netsuke school is difficult, it is most likely from the circle of hands around Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Ozaki Kokusai. The triangular section of the kappa’s limbs, are typical of Kokusai and seen most notably in the creature in Paul An elongated netsuke depicting a grim shark with inlaid eyes of Moss’s collection, illustrated in his recent magnum opus, vol. II, no. dark horn. The anatomy of the shark reflects the natural orientation 64. While the overall delicacy and movement of this carving seems of the antler material, with the dorsal fin and tail shaped like the closer to Rensai than to Kokusai, it nonetheless feels more akin branches of the antlers. Very beautiful surface with some areas of TO THE +OKUSAI EXAMPLE IN THE 6ERANNEMAN COLLECTION %SKENAZI the porous material turning black. Himotoshi on the underside. NO THAN THE 2ENSAI IN THE -INNEAPOLIS EXHIBITION 7ELSH AND Chappell, no. 168). LENGTH 14.6 CM
$)!-%4%2 #- Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,- Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
128 129 168 A STAG ANTLER KISERUZUTSU DEPICTING KAPPA Unsigned, stag antler kiseruzutsu Japan, 19th century, %DO PERIOD
The pipecase of senryu-zutsu type carved in the form of an elongated ape-like kappa, holding one hand as if he was picking fleas, and the other hand near his crotch. His expression is curious, looking downwards with a piercing gaze. Perhaps a humorous and hidden meaning is that the pipe would go through his head, where the kappa keeps his vital fluids – though he does not seem to mind. Animal hair is used for the hair on the kappa’s head and the natural structure of the antler is used replicate the scaly skin on the creature’s arm.
HEIGHT 19.4 CM 167 A RARE STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A Condition: Good condition, losses to PIEBALD CAT WITH LARGE FISH animal hair Unsigned, stag antler netsuke Provenance: European private collection Japan, 19th century, %DO PERIOD Auction comparison: Compare to an obi-hasami of a kappa sold at Van Ham, A rare netsuke with extraordinary use of Asiatische Kunst, Cologne, 14 June 2018, the antler material. The entire composition lot 2297. is shaped naturally like the section of the antler used. The cat is nestled up to a Estimate EUR 1.500,- large fish, wrapped in leaves, and taking a Starting price EUR 750,- bite at it. The scales of the fish are carved very well, and the large eyes are inlaid in dark horn. The fish has its mouth open, revealing the hollow section inside the antler, where on the other side, the hollow section is plugged with a white piece of bone or antler. The artist has managed to brilliantly incorporate this into his work, as it resembles one of the white spots of the piebald cat. Himotoshi through the back.
HEIGHT 5.7 CM, LENGTH 6.5 CM
Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: French private collection
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-
130 131 169 A VERY RARE STAG ANTLER KISERUZUTSU WITH PIPE DEPICTING A GHOST Unsigned, stag antler kiseruzutsu with bamboo and silver pipe with shakudo and gold hirazogan decoration Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
The pipecase of senryu-zutsu type, carved as male ghost with an elongated and curved body and holding his fist to his mouth, forming the cord channel, and screaming. His bony fingers are expressively carved, and his robes are decorated with many clouds and an oni mask at the back. The difficult material is used masterfully, and the natural porous structure of the antler lends to the ethereal representation of the supernatural being. The eyes are inlaid in dark horn. Coming with a kiseru PIPE MADE FROM AN attractive piece of bamboo with silver ends and shakudo with gold hirazogan decorations with an ishime finish.
(%)'(4 INCLUDING KISERU #-
Condition: Very good condition Provenance: Formerly collection of Arno Ziesnitz
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
13213 133 171 A STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A KARAKO WITH ONI MASK Signed illegibly, possibly by Jugyoku, stag antler netsuke Japan, 19th century, Edo period
A rather small stag antler netsuke of a karako doing the bekkanko gesture with an inlaid and movable tongue. "EHIND HIM HE IS HIDING AN expressively carved oni mask with inlaid eyes made from metal. The head is carved separately from another piece of antler and the bush of hair is lacquered in black with finely incised lines. Himotoshi through the back and underside where also the 170 signature can be found inlaid AN EXCELLENT STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A SNAIL ON in a mother of pearl tablet, REISHI MUSHROOM BY OZAKI KOKUSAI (1835 – 1892) however not readable. Possibly "Y +OKUSAI SIGNED +OKU STAG ANTLER NETSUKE by Jugyoku as he was known Japan, Asakusa, mid to late 19th century to carve in stag antler and COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES SEE The snail is crawling up a reishi mushroom, a symbol for longevity, auction comparison) exist. and is stretching out its feelers scanning the surface of the mushroom, the tip of the antennae inlaid in dark horn. The spirals HEIGHT 4 CM of the shell and the surface of the reishi are carved very well. The underside with the stem of the reishi, which form the himotoshi Condition: The index finger and houses the signature carved in sunken relief reading KOKU, of the boy and the tongue are 172 FOR /ZAKI +OKUSAI n THE FOUNDER OF THE FAMOUS slightly chipped - otherwise A GOOD STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF SEIOBO Asakusa school in Tokyo, which was the center for stag antler good condition Unsigned, stag antler netsuke carving in Japan during that time, and produced, in their own 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD right, some of the greatest masterpieces of netsuke art from collection difficult and rare materials. The queen mother of the west depicted standing Auction comparison: Compare barefoot, upright and holding her typical HEIGHT 2 CM, LENGTH 4 CM to a similar netsuke signed attributes of a peach branch in one hand, and Jugyoku sold at Lempertz, A BASKET FULL OF PEACHES IN THE OTHER (ER COAT Condition: Excellent condition Asiatische Kunst, Köln, 07 with mugwort leaves, usually reserved for Sennin, 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM $ECEMBER LOT and her hair tied to a top bun with four further 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO hair buns draping down her shoulder. The antler Estimate EUR 600,- of a very good color and irregular, diagonal Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 300,- himotoshi in the back. Starting price EUR 1.000,- HEIGHT 7.2 CM
Condition: Very good condition Provenance: European private collection
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-
134 135 two views two views
173 174 A RARE NARWHAL TUSK NETSUKE OF A CHUBBY KARAKO A RARE MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A DOMESTICATED DOG Unsigned, narwhal tusk netsuke Unsigned, marine ivory Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
Netsuke made from narwhal tusk are incredibly rare and unique in A marine ivory netsuke of a dog seated in an upright position, with their appearance. The material is very smooth, and almost white a large collar attached to it, and has one paw slightly raised, about WITH A YELLOWISH HUE AND MANY INCLUSIONS $EPICTED IS A CHUBBY to extend a greeting to its owner. The fur is carved with good boy dressed in an apron, which he holds up in the front, revealing detail and precision, and the material use is superior, as the natural his genitals. He is looking upwards to his left, the facial features porous structure of the marine ivory is hidden very well. The eyes achieved very expressively. Good and large himotoshi through the are inlaid in pale translucent horn and ‘chimney’ himotoshi are side and back. found on the side and through the base.
HEIGHT 5.4 CM HEIGHT 6 CM
Condition: One very small age crack on the back, plugged nerve Condition: Very good condition channel on the inside of the thigh and restored feet - generally, in Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman good condition Provenance: Viennese private collection Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,- Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 600,-
136 137 176 A LARGE AND POWERFUL STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF SHOKI AS A TARTAR ARCHER Unsigned, stag antler netsuke Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
Stag antler netsuke of this style and quality ARE QUITE RARE $EPICTED IS A TARTAR ARCHER WITH Chinese cap and robes with expressive cloud patterns, grim expression and flowing beard. The archer has many similarities with depictions of Shoki, and it is known that their attributes were combined with each other in some netsuke. Perhaps also the ideal Chinese or Mongol warrior was simply closely associated with Shoki in the Japanese mind. The archer draws an arrow from a quiver, which extends downwards to his left showing the natural orientation of the piece of antler used. The material is of a very good color and the porous structure of the antler adds a special touch to the composition. The hollow base has been plugged to make the figure stand and there are three himotoshi, the largest on the side, to hold the figure in place on the obi BELT as otherwise it would slightly tilt to the left. The carver has utilized a very difficult section of stag antler, which some would consider scrap material, to create a true masterpiece.
HEIGHT 8.3 CM
Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: French private collection 175 A VERY RARE AND FINE BONE NETSUKE OF HADESU SLAYING HEIGHT 4.1 CM Auction comparison: A netsuke depicting what THE TIGER appears to be Shoki as a tartar archer was sold at Unsigned, bone netsuke Condition: Excellent condition, minor expected age cracks and #HRISTIES *APANESE !RT AND $ESIGN ,ONDON Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD imperfections to the material May 2010, lot 1. Provenance: European private collection Netsuke carved from bone are usually quite simple and low in Estimate EUR 2.000,- quality, as the material was not much appreciated and often even Auction comparison: An ivory version of the same motif of Starting price EUR 1.000,- considered ‘waste material’. It is extraordinarily rare to find netsuke comparable quality was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & of good quality made from bone, as the material is also very difficult Okimono, Vienna, November 24th 2018, lot 65. A bone netsuke of to carve. The present netsuke depicts the legendary Japanese hero SIMILAR QUALITY YET SMALLER AND NOT AS DETAILED WAS SOLD AT "ONHAMS Hadesu straddling a tiger on his back and killing it with his sword, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part III, after stunning it with a punch in a head. The struggle is depicted London, 6th November 2018, lot 56. masterfully, especially evident in the facial expressions of the two combatants – the tiger is screaming in fearful agony as Hadesu has Estimate EUR 2.000,- a determined, but ruthless expression. The details are incredibly fine Starting price EUR 1.000,- as well – the samurai armour including the ropes attached to it, the sharp rows of teeth of the tiger, as well as the fur coat. The porous texture of the bone is evident all over the piece and adds to the power and expression of the netsuke. Natural himotoshi; unsigned.
138 139 177 AN EXCELLENT STAG ANTLER SASHI NETSUKE OF A WASP IN A ROTTING LEAFY GOURD Unsigned, stag antler sashi netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A masterfully carved elongated gourd with leafy vines curling around it. The gourd is rotting, since there are many holes and the antler material perfectly simulates the decay of the vegetable. A large wasp, with huge inlaid eyes of black horn, has settled in a large and hollowed-out crevasse in the gourd and is feeding on it. A beautiful late autumn scene symbolizing the duality of life and death. Large himotoshi on the reverse.
LENGTH 16 CM
Condition: Minor imperfections, one small section of the vine at the top is restored, generally in good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
140 141 178 A STAG ANTLER AND COPPER-BRONZE NETSUKE OF THREE MONKEYS BY TOMOHIDE "Y 4OMOHIDE STAG ANTLER NETSUKE WITH COPPER bronze inlay Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A grown monkey and two young, the group entirely made from copper bronze set in a lobed stag antler base. The fur is finely incised, the 180 mother is holding a peach in one hand, while AN UNUSUAL AND LARGE STAG ANTLER AND WOOD HAKO NETSUKE the two young monkeys are struggling to reach WITH LOTUS AND CRAB PEONY it. The irregularly contoured base shows in part Unsigned, stag antler hako netsuke with wood lid and metal hinge bold structures, with large himotoshi on the 179 Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD underside, one mounted in silver with floral A STAG ANTLER OBI HASAMI NETSUKE DECORATION 3IGNED 4/-/()$% ON A SMALL SILVER Unsigned, stag antler obi hasami netsuke A rare and functional hako netsuke. The bowl in the form of a lotus leaf, the inlaid plate. Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD veiny structure visible on the underside, and the top section decorated with many clouds. The inside is hollowed out, with the natural bony structure of the inside LENGTH 5.3 CM Obi is a belt and hasami means ‘to insert’, which of the material visible, and was used to store something, most likely medicine or explains the form of the netsuke, as the top end, herbs. The lid is carved from kokutan EBONY AND INCISED WITH A CRAB PEONY ON Condition: Very good condition which has the himotoshi and a carving of a veiny the top. The lid is hinged with metal fittings and screws and opens and closes Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London lotus leaf in relief, was meant to be inserted into the perfectly. A very unusual rustic and functional netsuke and could very well have Gentleman belt. The natural porous material of the antler is very been carved by a professional carver, for personal use. The himotoshi through a appealing. carved looped handle on the underside. Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 600,- HEIGHT 10.5 CM $)!-%4%2 #-
Condition: Excellent condition Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 600,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,- Starting price EUR 300,-
142 143 181 182 A RARE AND FINE ASAKUSA SCHOOL STAG ANTLER RYUSA A TWO-PART STAG ANTLER RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE MANJU NETSUKE WITH AUSPISCIOUS OBJECTS AND WITH SHISHI PHEASANT Unsigned, stag antler ryusa manju netsuke Unsigned, stag antler ryusa netsuke *APAN !SAKUSA MID TO LATE TH CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Asakusa, mid to late 19th century 1868)
A circular, openworked ryusa manju netsuke with a varied depiction The ryusa manju, partially openworked and consisting of two of different objects as well as a bird on top. The bird is most likely parts, is made from a beautiful piece of stag antler, the color A PHEASANT kiji), which is known as a messenger of the gods in almost golden on the inside and the porous structure of the Shinto. The objects include scrolls, hossu, hyotan, fan, sake cup and material appearing very pleasing to the eye. The front decorated a katana amongst dense sprays of maple leaves, all tied together with a grim shishi amongst peony blossoms, the section of the by many ropes. A meticulously executed work brilliantly hollowed antler used to carve the shishi is smooth and looks almost like out and the material is used masterfully, as is usual for the Asakusa ivory. The backside equally well-carved with a floral pattern with school, as the surface in some areas may also be mistaken for ivory. five leaves emanating from the central himotoshi.
$)!-%4%2 #- $)!-%4%2 #-
Condition: Excellent condition Condition: Very good condition, the rim with natural flaws in Provenance: Austrian private collection the material Provenance: German private collection Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,- Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-
144 145 183 A MASTERFULLY CARVED WALRUS IVORY RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING AN OLD DRAGON ATTRIBUTED TO HASEGAWA IKKO Unsigned, attributed to Hasegawa Ikko, walrus ivory ryusa manju netsuke with mother of pearl and dark horn inlay Japan, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
The beautifully openworked ryusa manju depicts a contorted wise and old dragon. The scales are carved precisely, and the difficult material is utilized to perfection, the porous structure of walrus ivory mirroring the depiction of the evanescent aged dragon. The dragon’s expression is anything but ferocious, but rather whimsical, with dense and furrowed brows – a stark contrast to the young and ferocious dragons usually depicted in netsuke art. The claws in the front and the eyes are inlaid in mother of pearl, and the long barbels are inlaid in dark horn. Singular himotoshi on the reverse. The quality and style of the carving, the expression and the style of inlay are all coherent with carvings of Hasegawa Ikko, one of the most influential netsukeshi of the 19th century.
$)!-%4%2 #-
Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
Literature comparison: Compare to a manju with dragon and Tiger signed Ikko in The Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the !RCHIVES OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART ! &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE ,AZARNICK New York, 1986, page 223. Auction comparison: Compare to a similar unsigned manju sold at Sotheby’s, Netsuke From THE #OLLECTION OF 2AYMOND AND &RANCES "USHELL London, 18 November 1999, lot 225.
Estimate EUR 3.500,- Starting price EUR 1.750,-
146 147 185 A RARE AND LARGE WALRUS TUSK IVORY OJIME DEPICTING A WOODCUTTER BY GYOKKO "Y 'YOKKO WALRUS TUSK IVORY OJIME Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
An unusually thick and large ojime made from marine ivory, the natural milky-white inclusions brilliantly used to depict the pine tree at the back. The wood cutter is carved in shishiabori SUNKEN RELIEF AND IS DEPICTED smiling, taking pleasure in his work. Signed GYOKU-KO '9/++/ 4HERE ARE SIX DIFFERENT CARVERS LISTED IN -#) who signed Gyokko, however the carver is most likely the one listed as no. 3, who made fine ivory manju.
(%)'(4 #- 7)$4( #-
Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: French private collection two views Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-
184 A RARE AND EXCELLENT ASAKUSA SCHOOL MARINE IVORY MANJU NETSUKE WITH CRAB PEONY AND BATS Unsigned, marine ivory netsuke Japan, Asakusa, mid to late 19th century
Carved from a flawless piece of marine ivory in the shape of a cushion with a fine carving of a crab peony, with visible eyes, in high relief on a floral- patterned ground. The leaves of the peony show the legs of the crustacean with the two pincers at the top, and the actual flower shoes the body and mouth, as if it was smiling. The sides are open-worked and decorated with a cross-etched pattern typical for the Asakusa school in Tokyo, founded by Ozaki Kokusai. The reverse with fine floral himotoshi and two lotus flowers two views in the shape of stylized bats.
HEIGHT 4 CM 186 A FINE MARINE IVORY RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING attractively stippled surface. Typical irregular himotoshi and the Condition: Excellent condition ONA NO TOFU BY SUZUKI TOKOKU (1836 – 1931) signature TOKOKU on an inlaid silver tablet. The material almost Provenance: German private collection "Y 4OKOKU MARINE IVORY ryusa manju netsuke looks like ivory, however the sides reveal characteristic inclusions Japan, Asakusa, mid to late 19th century typical for marine ivory. Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,- An early work by the artist who started out in the Asakusa school, $)!-%4%2 #- 7)$4( #- founded by Ozaki Kokusai, and is probably best known for his later mixed-material carvings which are unparalleled in their quality and Condition: Good condition, the separately carved central medallion style. However, he also made very good ryusa manju when he was has come a little bit loose at the top, and very minor cracks to the still active in the Asakusa school, though they are rarely found at openworked section on the side auction. This ryusa manju, openworked on the sides depicting finely Provenance: European private collection carved magnolia blossoms, shows Ona no Tofu on the separately carved inset medallion. He is depicted underneath a tree wearing Estimate EUR 1.500,- courtly robes, an eboshi and holding a fan. The reverse with further Starting price EUR 750,- blossoming magnolia amongst clouds carved in relief above an
148 149 187 188 AN INLAID WALRUS TUSK IVORY RYUSA MANJU DEPICTING AN ASAKUSA SCHOOL INLAID WALRUS IVORY RYUSA RIHAKU MANJU NETSUKE WITH MONKEY Unsigned, walrus tusk ivory ryusa manju with silver-gilt inlay Unsigned, walrus ivory ryusa manju netsuke with silver-gilt inlay Japan, Asakusa, mid to late 19th century Japan, Asakusa, mid to late 19th century
A beautiful choice piece of walrus tusk ivory carved into a luscious A well-carved walrus ivory ryusa manju depicting many pine trees ryusa manju depicting leafy stalks of bamboo, a thatched hut and and grasses with an inlaid silver-gilt long-armed monkey in the many clouds. The center is inlaid with a silver-gilt figure depicting center. The reverse with rocks, a waterfall and further pines, and the poet Rihaku IN #HINA ,I "AI NEXT TO A HUGE DOUBLE GOURD lLLED central rimmed himotoshi "EAUTIFUL COLOR OF THE MATERIAL AND WITH SAKE THE DRINK OF THE IMMORTALS #ENTRAL himotoshi in the natural structure of the walrus tooth. back. $)!-%4%2 #- 7)$4( #- A poem by Rihaku which fits this scene nicely follows: Facing my wine, I did not see the dusk, falling blossoms have filled the folds Condition: A small section of a branch on the side has been OF MY CLOTHES $RUNK ) RISE AND APPROACH THE MOON IN THE STREAM restored, otherwise in very good condition birds are far off, people too are few. Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
$)!-%4%2 #- 7)$4( #- Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,- Condition: Very good condition, the facial features on the inlay slightly worn Provenance: Austrian private collection
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
150 151 OTHER ANIMALS
189 A FINE AND RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO TURTLES BY KAIGYOKUSAI MASATSUGU (1813-1892) Signed Kaigyoku, by Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, ivory netsuke Japan, Osaka, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A very fine and rather small ivory netsuke of a retracted turtle with its young climbing up its back. The ivory, typical for the Osaka master, is left unstained and treated superbly. The individual patterns on the shell are carved masterfully, especially on the TINY SHELL OF THE YOUNGER TURTLE "OTH REPTILIANS HAVE INLAID EYES OF reddish translucent horn, which add to their wild expressions. The underside carved equally well with the wrinkled skin and clawed feet of the turtle achieved brilliantly. Large and irregular himotoshi, as well as the signature KAIGYOKU, a known signature variant of Kaigyokusai Masatsugu during his prime.
LENGTH 3.9 CM
Condition: The edge of the carapace with very minor chips to the front, as well as one crack to the side and another tiny chip to the carapace on the underside in the front. Generally in very good condition. Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Auction comparison: Another tortoise signed Masatsugu was offered at Sotheby’s, The Katchen Collection of Netsuke – Part II, London, 13 July 2006, lot 198.
Estimate EUR 5.000,- Starting price EUR 2.500,-
152 153 190 191 192 AN EXCELLENT IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO A WOOD NETSUKE OF A CICADA ON A HALF NUTSHELL AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A CICADA ON A HALF NUTSHELL MONKEYS ON A TURTLE BY RAKUMIN Unsigned, wood netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke "Y 2AKUMIN IVORY NETSUKE Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Edo, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD #ICADAS semi) as netsuke have a specific meaning, as they were Similar to the previous netsuke no. 191, though rarer since it is This motif, showing monkeys riding a turtle, is worn during the festival of Obon, honoring the ancestor spirits, CARVED FROM IVORY 4HE CICADA semi) is seated on a half nut shell, called Saru Kame no noru and originates from as they generally symbolize resurrection in East Asia. This netsuke the wings are carved naturalistically and precisely. The cicada has AN OLD FAIRYTALE "OTH MONKEYS ARE SITTING ON THE shows a meticulously carved semi on an empty nutshell, particularly large and bulging eyes. Himotoshi on the interior of the nutshell kame’s shell and are holding a well-carved rope delicate work is seen on the wings and the ribbing of the body. below the bridge. Cicada netsuke were worn during the festival of attached to the turtle’s mouth, which extends all Himotoshi on the interior of the nutshell below the bridge. Obon, honoring the ancestor spirits the way up one of the monkeys’ backs. Its legs and head are tucked in and only one eye, which HEIGHT 2.7 CM, LENGTH 4.5 CM HEIGHT 2.5 CM, LENGTH 4 CM is inlaid, is visible. The structure on the turtle is very precisely executed and the monkeys are Condition: Very good condition Condition: Very good condition, minor age cracks carved in a lively manner with inlaid eyes. One Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION monkey has a strangely wild expression while the other is more naturalistic and with a determined Estimate EUR 600,- Estimate EUR 800,- expression. Good himotoshi and signature Starting price EUR 300,- Starting price EUR 400,- RAKUMIN on the underside, the artist was known primarily under the name Ho Rakumin.
HEIGHT 3.2, LENGTH 4.1 CM
Condition: Very good condition, beautiful patina, some age cracks and a plugged nerve channel on one of the monkeys’ sides Provenance: French private collection
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
154 155 193 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A TOAD ON A NASUBI BY HOGEN RANTEI "Y (OGEN 2ANTEI IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Kyoto, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
! TOAD gama SEATED ON AN EGGPLANT nasumi), a SYMBOL OF WEALTH AND GOOD FORTUNE "OTH THE TOAD and the top section have an painstakingly stippled surface treatment. The eggplant is literally bursting, its flesh revealed in several openings from the toad climbing upon it. The toad’s expression is lively, and the eyes are inlaid in deep black horn. Himotoshi and signature HOGEN RANTEI on the underside located in two rounded reserves. The ivory bears a good color and is lightly stained in some areas for effect.
LENGTH 5 CM
Condition: Very good condition Provenance: Austrian private collection
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
195 AN AMUSING WALRUS TUSK IVORY NETSUKE OF A FROG CONCERT Unsigned, walrus tusk ivory netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A dense composition carved from a choice piece of butterscotch- COLORED WALRUS TUSK IVORY WITH MANY INCLUSIONS $EPICTED ARE SEVEN frogs on a waraji, arranged in a circle with a lotus flower in the middle, and holding drums, mallets and a lotus bud. The underside 194 of a beautiful amber color with a further flattened frog and the AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO MUSHROOMS AND A TOAD BY irregular himotoshi. YOSHIKAZU "Y 9OSHIKAZU IVORY NETSUKE LENGTH 5 CM Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Condition: Excellent condition ! LIVELY TOAD gama) with inlaid eyes is climbing on one of the 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION STORED IN A BANK VAULT FOR mushrooms, which are lying upside down. Its hind legs are spread years, collection no. 21 OUT WIDE WHILE THE FRONT LEGS ARE CLINGING TO THE STEM "OTH mushrooms are shimeji with bulbous stems, their radial gills deeply Estimate EUR 800,- incised. The underside smooth and beautifully stained, with the Starting price EUR 400,- himotoshi and signature YOSHIKAZU.
HEIGHT 2.8 CM, LENGTH 4.2 CM
Condition: Very good condition, minor expected age cracks Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,-
156 157 196 197 198 AN INLAID KOKUTAN WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL ON A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A FLOUNDER ON A PLATE AN EXTRAORDINARY INLAID IVORY NETSUKE OF MANY SEA DRIFTWOOD BY GYOKKEI Unsigned, ivory netsuke CREATURES BY RYOKOSAI JUGYOKU II "Y 'YOKKEI WOOD NETSUKE WITH IVORY MOTHER OF PEARL AND Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD "Y *UGYOKU IVORY NETSUKE WITH INLAYS horn inlay Japan, Edo/Tokyo, late 19th century *APAN C %DO PERIOD A rare depiction of a Japanese dish in the form of a flounder garnished with bamboo leaves. The flounder is flattened, the A manju-style netsuke depicting a very dense and lifelike A snail is crawling on a rotten piece of driftwood carved surface is stippled and inked, and the two visible eyes are composition of various fish and sea animals, in part also from kokutan EBONY WOOD 4HE WOOD IS ALMOST BLACK inlaid with dark horn. The underside with the himotoshi in OPENWORKED 4HE TOP WITH A LARGE SEA BREAM tai) and another WHILE THE SNAIL katatsumuri) is made from light, slightly the center. fish inlaid in coral and horn respectively, and with dense sprays of brownish translucent horn. The snail shell with spiral shows leaves and further fish. Two incredibly tiny and finely carved clam great attention to detail and is lightly stained. The wood is LENGTH 6.3 CM SHELLS ARE INLAID AND THE LARGE SMOOTH HEAD OF THE OCTOPUS tako) is further inlaid with tiny specks of ivory. Central green-stained shown with the face and tentacles visible on the other side. Next ivory himotoshi on the underside and signed GYOKU-KEI Condition: Good condition, two cracks on the underside to the octopus are further fish and two small silverfishes inlaid in '9/++%) on a small inset mother-of-pearl plate. 0ROVENANCE "LUTH COLLECTION WITH OLD COLLECTORS LABEL MOTHER OF PEARL AS WELL AS A SHRIMP ebi). The entire composition is adorned with little metal specks and all eyes are inlaid. Clever LENGTH 4.4 CM Estimate EUR 600,- himotoshi surrounded by tentacles on the underside, signature Starting price EUR 300,- JUGYOKU and red kao on the flat bottom of an awabi. The artist is Condition: One of the feelers of the snail is slightly chipped, Ryokusai Jugyoku II from Tokyo. otherwise good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION SIZE 4 x 4.5 CM
Literature comparison: For a similar example see George Condition: Very good condition, only one barely noticeable chip ,AZARNICK .ETSUKE )NRO !RTISTS (ONOLULU PAGE near the coral-inlaid seabream Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,- Estimate EUR 3.000,- Starting price EUR 1.500,-
158 159 200 AN IMPORTANT AND LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF A PREENING DUCK Unsigned, wood netsuke with silver inlay Japan, first half of 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A rustic but fine netsuke, dating to the first half of the 18th century, and of considerable size depicting a duck with its head turned back and preening itself with its large and smooth beak. The wood is of a very good color and is lightly stained and worn. The top edge of the wings, as well as the eyes, are inlaid with silver. The underside with the two webbed feet and large himotoshi.
This netsuke has historical significance since it belongs to the rare group of netsuke dated to the early 18th century, which serve, above all, a functional purpose. The very first netsuke were basic objects such as gourd or discs, essentially any object from daily life that could be suspended on an obi BELT Sometimes little details or himotoshi were added, but it was by no means an art form, as it is considered today. This netsuke, which is quite simple and shows wear, carved from a block of boxwood and imbued with individual character and charm while keeping a semblance of power, therefore shows an intermediary stage, one of the first ‘great netsuke’, before the respected netsukeshi of the late 18th century from Kyoto, which ultimately led to the incredibly detailed non- functional netsuke of the late period.
)N THE LIST BY .EIL + $AVEY HE DESCRIBES THIS NETSUKE AS @A VERY lNE AND IMPORTANT duck’ with the remark ‘very best’ and the highest estimate of the collection.
HEIGHT 4.3 CM, LENGTH 6.1 CM
Condition: Very good and worn condition, one crack on the underside 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO
Estimate EUR 3.000,- Starting price EUR 1.500,-
199 A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF AN OCTOPUS Unsigned, wood netsuke Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A compact netsuke of a very good size depicting a naturalistic rendition of an octopus with bulging eyes inlaid in black horn. It is holding six of its tentacles to its bulbous and smooth head, while the two in the front are flaring outwards and touching the tentacles in the middle. The hundreds of suckers are precisely carved. The wood bearing a very attractive color and patina. The underside with more suckers and the characteristic mouth also called the ‘lantern of Aristoteles’. Natural himotoshi.
HEIGHT 4.4 CM
Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION STORED IN A BANK VAULT FOR years, with old collection number written in white
Auction comparison: A comparable model was sold at Van Ham, !SIATISCHE +UNST #OLOGNE $ECEMBER LOT
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
160 161 201 A RARE AND FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO OWLS BY SOSHIN "Y 3OSHIN WOOD NETSUKE Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A wood netsuke of two owls perched on a branch. The plumage of the birds are carved extraordinarily well, and their expressions are QUITE AMUSING WITH DOUBLE INLAID LARGE AND STARING EYES "OTH OWLS are slightly leaned towards each other – they are male and female, as males are known to be larger. Interestingly, owls are an emblem of ingratitude, as they are believed to be capable of devouring their own mother. Natural himotoshi through the branch. Owl netsuke are quite rare, and models are known by Mitsuhiro, Itsumin and Ikkyu, this carving is very much in the style of the latter. This netsuke is signed SOSHIN, a very rare artist.
HEIGHT 5 CM
Condition: Very good condition Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Auction comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke by Ikkyu sold at "ONHAMS 4HE *ULIUS AND !RLETTE +ATCHEN #OLLECTION OF &INE .ETSUKE Part I, London, 8 November 2016, lot 145. Literature comparison: A comparable netsuke of a parrot is illustrated in ‘Netsuke & Inro Artists and how to read their signatures’ by George Lazarnick, 1981, page 1037.
Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 600,-
202 A RARE AND FINE NETSUKE OF AN OWL ON A BRANCH BY MASAYUKI 203 204 "Y -ASAYUKI WOOD NETSUKE A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A QUAIL ON MILLET AFTER AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO QUAILS BY KAGETOSHI Japan, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD OKATOMO "Y +AGETOSHI IVORY NETSUKE Signed Okatomo, ivory netsuke Japan, Kyoto, first half of the 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD A charming wood netsuke of an owl perched on a branch and Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD looking upwards. The plumage and the gnarly structure of the 4WO QUAILS uzura) and millet, a subject known primarily from branch are carved precisely and naturalistically. The large eyes are A compact and accomplished study of a quail on two millet Okatomo of Kyoto but executed here by Kagetoshi in his distinctive inlaid in pale translucent horn with black pupils. Owl netsuke are HEADS THE LEAVES GOING UP THE SIDE OF THE QUAIL uzura). The quail style, namely an ovoid spherical shape with much openwork, quite rare. Interestingly, owls are an emblem of ingratitude, as they represents martial spirit and is also a symbol of poverty. Quail worked in sukashi-bori A CARVING STYLE WHICH HE BECAME FAMOUS are believed to be capable of devouring their own mother. The and millet together are a symbol for autumn. The plumage of the FOR THE MILLET awa) partly over the two quails. The motif of quail carving very much in the style of Itsumin and the himotoshi are quail is naturalistically carved, as well as the millet with its smooth and millet symbolizes the fall season. All details are precisely carved, found on the underside of the branch. Signed MASAYUKI. leaves. Natural himotoshi and signature located one of the leaves the netsuke has an optimally rounded shape, natural himotoshi OKATOMO. on the underside between the millet spikes, beside the signature HEIGHT 4 CM KAGETOSHI within a rectangular reserve. HEIGHT 2.2 CM, LENGTH 3.7 CM Condition: Excellent condition HEIGHT 2.7 CM, LENGTH 3.4 CM Provenance: German private collection Condition: One eye has been replaced, otherwise excellent condition Condition: Excellent condition Auction comparison: For a similar netsuke in the style of Itsumin 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM SEE "ONHAMS &INE *APANESE AND +OREAN !RT .EW 9ORK -ARCH 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO 2017, lot 6178. Estimate EUR 1.000,- Auction comparison: For another quail and millet netsuke by Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,- +AGETOSHI SEE #HRISTIES *APANESE !RT AND $ESIGN ,ONDON -AY Starting price EUR 500,- 2010, lot 122.
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
162 163 205 206 A VERY RARE HORNBILL IVORY NETSUKE A FINE NETSUKE OF AN EAGLE SNATCHING A FOX BY OF A COCKEREL AND HEN CHIKUYOSAI TOMOCHIKA Unsigned, hornbill ivory netsuke "Y 4OMOCHIKA IVORY NETSUKE Japan, late 19th century Japan, Edo, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
(ORNBILL IVORY NETSUKE FROM THE HELMETED A fine ivory netsuke of an eagle firmly grasping a helpless fox in its hornbill or rhinoplax vigil) are very rare and talons. The reverent bird of prey has a fierce expression, its head is difficult to carve, as the material tends to be slightly tilted downwards, and its beak is opened. The feather-work unforgiving and the natural shape of the bill of the eagle is executed masterfully. The little fox is crafted quite often must be incorporated into the work, sensitively with a terrified expression, one claw covering its eye – depending on what section of the beak is one truly feels sorry for the little fox and hopes that perhaps it can used. The shape of the beak is recognizable trick itself out of its demise, as foxes are known to have magical in this netsuke, with the tapering end being powers. The himotoshi on the back of the eagle and the signature wafer-thin, and the red section of the bill in a wavy reserve on the underside of the fox TOMOCHIKA. being expressed on the sides. The two birds are huddled side by side looking askance at HEIGHT 3.3 CM each other. The plumage is very well carved, himotoshi on the reverse and the eyes inlaid Condition: The ivory slightly and characteristically worn, very good with the red material from the horn. condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION HEIGHT 5 CM Auction comparison: For another example by Tomochika see Condition: Excellent condition "ONHAMS 4HE %DWARD 7RANGHAM #OLLECTION OF *APANESE !RT 0ART 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION IV, London, 6 November 2013, lot 61.
Auction comparison: For another netsuke Estimate EUR 1.200,- CARVED FROM THIS RARE MATERIAL SEE "ONHAMS Starting price EUR 600,- The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part III, London, 6 November 2018, lot 62. 207 A DELICATE IVORY NETSUKE OF A FOX BY RANSEN Estimate EUR 800,- "Y 2ANSEN IVORY NETSUKE Starting price EUR 400,- Japan, Kyoto, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A sensitively and delicately crafted depiction of a fox, possibly the Inari fox which is the messenger of the Inari Okami, one of the principal Kami of Shinto. The charming little fox is licking its tail which curls around to its side. The fur is incised masterfully, and the ivory is lightly stained and of a very good color. The shoulder bones and the rib cage are well pronounced, and the eyes are inlaid in reddish horn. The fox has an adorable expression with small pointed ears and long snout. The legs are carved splendidly as well, small and fragile, the smallest details achieved magnificently. Natural himotoshi and the signature found underneath the tail RANSEN. A rare artist from the Rantei school of Kyoto.
HEIGHT 2.8 CM
Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: European private collection
Auction comparison: For another netsuke by the artist see "ONHAMS 4HE %DWARD 7RANGHAM #OLLECTION OF *APANESE !RT 0ART II, London, 10 May 2011, lot 126.
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-
164 165 208 209 AN EXCELLENT IVORY NETSUKE OF A WOLF WITH RASHOMON ARM A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF AN EMACIATED WOLF WITH BY YAMAGUCHI OKATOMO VENISON HAUNCH BY TOMOTADA "Y /KATOMO IVORY NETSUKE "Y 4OMOTADA IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A masterfully carved ivory netsuke of a bulky wolf, also referred to as a A powerful and very expressive netsuke of an emaciated wolf or yama-inu LITERALLY MOUNTAIN DOG AS THE WOLF WAS NOT NATIVE TO *APAN yama-inu. Large inlaid eye and opened mouth showing the sharp The rib cage and spine are powerfully expressed, and the wolf places one rows of teeth, as it craves for the haunch of venison, which it holds paw on the severed arm of the Rashomon demon, probably not the most down with its paw. The fur is carved exceptionally well, and the nutritious food for the hungry animal. The fur is incised with incredible shoulder bones, ribs and spine are particularly highlighted. When skill and the ivory has a very attractive yellow hue. The wolf has a wild comparing this netsuke to the wolf by Okatomo no. 208, this wolf expression – the ears are laid back, the large pupils are inlaid in dark horn by Tomotada comes across considerably more emaciated, which is and the mouth is opened greedily, showing the teeth. The underside is fitting, since it has finally found something edible, unlike the other carved exceptionally as well, with the tail curling up to the front, and well- WOLVES IN THIS CATALOG 4HE SIGNATURE 4/-/4!$! IS LOCATED ON THE detailed paws, one of them with the signature OKATOMO in a rectangular right hindleg in a rectangular reserve. reserve. Natural himotoshi. HEIGHT 3.6 CM, LENGTH 4 CM HEIGHT 3.6 CM, LENGTH 4.7 CM Condition: Very good condition, the wear consistent with the age; Condition: A section of the lower jaw has been restored, otherwise very the left eye looks to have been replaced good condition with an appealing patina Provenance: French private collection Provenance: "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO Estimate EUR 3.000,- Starting price EUR 1.500,- Literature comparison: A very similar or possibly the same model of a wolf with Rashomon arm is illustrated in The Meinertzhagen Card Index ON .ETSUKE IN THE !RCHIVES OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART " &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE ,AZARNICK .EW 9ORK PAGE
Estimate EUR 4.000,- Starting price EUR 2.000,-
166 167 210 211 A POWERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF A WOLF WITH A SKULL AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A WOLF AND MONKEY Unsigned, wood netsuke ATTRIBUTED TO MITSUHARU Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Unsigned, attributed to Mitsuharu, ivory netsuke Japan, Kyoto, late 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD 4HE WOLF okami) with a skull is a common motif in netsuke art, found in the works of Tomotada and Yoshinaga among others. The An emaciated and hungry wolf, with pronounced rib cage, is skull originates either from the battlefield of Musashi or it is the holding a monkey down with his left front paw, his tail curling wolf of Kozukahara, the execution grounds near Edo, both places from the back to the front. The wolf has a grotesque expression being near Tokyo. The wolf is large as well as finely and expressively and the eyes are inlaid in reddish horn, as are the monkey’s carved, the reddish wood polished to a shine and with black in black horn. The subject is a different take on the classic staining for contrast. “Okami” for wolf is homophonous to Okami, emaciated wolf subject, instead of the usual inanimate objects meaning “great god”, as the wolf used to be called out of respect such as a tortoise shell, the wolf is depicted with a struggling live for the animal. Natural himotoshi between the legs and through the monkey. The treatment of the fur is consistent with other works skull. A powerful and early netsuke in the style of Tomotada. by the Kyoto master Mitsuharu, as is the power and expression. Unsigned and natural himotoshi. HEIGHT 3.6 CM, LENGTH 5.5 CM HEIGHT 4.4 CM Condition: One of the lower incisors is chipped otherwise good condition with minor wear and a good patina Condition: Very good condition, wear consistent with age 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO Estimate EUR 2.000,- Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
168 169 212 213 A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A HUNGRY WOLF WITH A VERY FINE AND RARE IVORY INGYO NETSUKE OF A DEER LOQUATS Unsigned, ivory ingyo SEAL NETSUKE Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD An ingyo-netsuke with a square seal block on which a finely A rare netsuke of a wolf, with a crazed expression, the SPOTTED DEER shika) stands. This deer is considered a messenger 214 eyes inlaid with red horn and the mouth opened with OF THE GODS kami no tsukai) in Kasuga shrine in Nara Prefecture. A GOOD WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT DEER its tongue stretched out and revealing its sharp teeth, Its head is leaning down with finely carved antlers and inlaid eyes, Unsigned, wood netsuke as it craves for something edible. The wolf has its paws the four fragile legs are carved extremely delicately. The underside Japan, first half of the 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD on a branch of loquats with the leaf going up his side, shows four characters incised back-to-front as well as remnants of however this will probably not sate his hunger. The seal paste. $EER ARE SEEN AS DIVINE MESSENGERS IN 3HINTO PARTICULARLY IN +ASUGA emaciated wolf’s body has quite angular proportions and Shrine in Nara Prefecture, where they act as shinshi, also called the spine is very sharp leading to the bushy tail, which HEIGHT 3.6 CM kami no tsukai, and have become a symbol of the city of Nara. They curls up under the body and over to the side. Very good are also considered the only animal that can find the Mushroom of patina; natural himotoshi. Condition: Excellent condition Immortality. A characterful depiction with large antlers, a delicate 0ROVENANCE "LUTH COLLECTION WITH OLD LABEL SNOUT AND DENSE FUR PATTERN $ARK COLOR AND lNE DARK PATINA 4HE HEIGHT 4.2 CM underside shows a lively leg composition as well as strikingly large Estimate EUR 1.000,- himotoshi, a sign of an early and used piece. Condition: Very good condition, excellent patina, Starting price EUR 500,- expected age cracks LENGTH 4.3 CM 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED Condition: Very good condition inventory no. 95 Provenance: Austrian private estate
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 300,-
170 171 216 A FINE AND RARE EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A CAT EATING A RAT Unsigned, wood netsuke Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
An early kokutan EBONY WOOD NETSUKE DEPICTING A BULKY CAT neko) feasting on a little rat which it holds between its front-paws. The fur is finely incised, and the arched back is impressively and naturalistically achieved, the expressed spine leading to the tail which goes under the body and merges with one of the paws. The underside with good detail as well and very large and beautiful himotoshi. Cats are feared by Taoists who regard it as a demon who has taken the place of an old woman.
LENGTH 4.7 CM
Condition: Very good condition, one of the paws shows a slightly different color in the wood, but is original 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED 1974 & 1984, inventory no. 118
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
215 A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT DEER Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, first half of the 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A very sensitive, animated and finely elegant depiction of a spotted DEER shika). The deer has its head turned back with a friendly face with black inlaid eyes and long curved antlers attached on the back. The leg composition on the underside is appealing. Good himotoshi on the underside.
4HE DEER IS CONSIDERED A MESSENGER OF THE GODS kami no tsukai) in Kasuga shrine in Nara Prefecture. It is also the only animal that can find the elusive reishi mushroom. The deer also lives in the paradise of endless life, a rocky island called Horaizan.
HEIGHT 2.7 CM, LENGTH 4.4 CM
Condition: Very good condition, the surface of the ivory slightly worn, and one eye is not original Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
172 173 217 A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A CAT AND A SMALL MONKEY Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, first half of the 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
4HE LARGE RECUMBENT CAT neko) forms a circle, its long tail does so as well. It is wearing a collar and appears to be quite pleased. A small monkey, tiny compared to the cat, is climbing on its back, and holds a peach in its paw, a symbol of longevity. The composition reminds one of the classic sarumawashi motif shown in catalog no. 143. Cats were brought into Japan from the 10th century from Japan, were favorite animals at the court and received nobility status. Very well-rounded composition, fine patina, very large himotoshi on the underside.
HEIGHT 2.1 CM, LENGTH 3.8 CM
Condition: Very good condition with few age cracks and stunning patina, especially on the underside 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED inventory no. 33
Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 600,-
219 220 218 AN UNUSUAL KYOTO-SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A A SMALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A CAT WITH RAT AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING CAT ON A FAN DOMESTICATED CHUBBY CAT Unsigned, ivory netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD The domesticated cat, wearing a collar, has caught a rat in its A charming ivory netsuke of a sleeping housecat on a The chubby cat is seated upright with pointed ears and large eyes mouth. The ivory is stained and the fur is incised precisely. A PUMPKIN SHAPED FAN 4HE FACIAL FEATURES OF THE CAT neko) inlaid in black horn. The cat is wearing a collar, indicating it is charming and small netsuke in seal-form set on a base, the tiny eyes are crafted sensitively, with closed eyes and peaceful domesticated, and the frowning cat’s expression is quite enigmatic. of the cat are inlaid in horn and the himotoshi are located on the expression. The fur is incised precisely and the tail curls The ivory of a very good color with a fine patina and the cleverly side and underside. around its two paws which are touching the handle of the placed large and irregular himotoshi through one of the legs. fan. The underside with good and large himotoshi, one of HEIGHT 2.5 CM them in the shape of a kidney. Neko is also the nickname for HEIGHT 3.5 CM a Geisha. Condition: Excellent condition Condition: The tip of one ear is slightly chipped and one plugged 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION STORED IN A BANK VAULT FOR LENGTH 4.2 CM nerve channel near the thigh years, collection no. 52 Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Condition: Minor imperfections and age cracks around the Estimate EUR 600,- belly of the cat, otherwise very good condition Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 300,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Starting price EUR 500,-
Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,-
174 175 221 222 223 224 A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF ELEPHANTS AND PUPPIES BY MASAMITSU A CHARMING IVORY NETSUKE OF AN ELEPHANT A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF BLIND MEN WITH AN ELEPHANT BY MASATOSHI A WOOD NETSUKE OF A CAPARISONED "Y -ASAMITSU IVORY NETSUKE ON A BASE "Y -ASATOSHI IVORY NETSUKE ELEPHANT ON A BASE Japan, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Unsigned, wood netsuke Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD This specialist for dense compositions of animal groups offers a light-hearted An ivory netsuke of five minutely carved tiny blind men all over the elephant – one subject here – eight chubby puppies frolicking around and on top of an A quite simple and small, yet charming, netsuke is touching the ear, another by the tail, one is on top and two are on top of each A wood netsuke depicting a caparisoned elephant elephant, two lying under it. A second, smaller elephant is lying beside the larger depicting an elephant on a base. It has its back arched other by its side, trying to climb up. The comparatively huge elephant is well-carved, with a jovial expression standing on a base. The one. The details are very amusing, such as the dopey face of the puppy lying with its trunk lowered on the ground and the tail particularly the folds of his skin, and has a powerful expression.The ends of the ornately decorated saddle is well-carved, as are the underneath the elephant, another puppy biting the pachyderm’s tail, or another SWINGING TO ITS RIGHT "EAUTIFUL BROWN STAINING IN SOME saddle are inlaid with various precious stones. Signed underneath on the base, next many skin folds and clawed feet. Singular central tucked underneath the trunk and biting its lower jaw. The ivory is stained areas and singular himotoshi through the base. to the central himotoshi, MASATOSHI. himotoshi through the base. bearing a very good color and all of the eyes are inlaid in dark horn. A very lively, dense composition on a base in the shape of a rock with himotoshi and HEIGHT 3.1 CM $EPICTED IS AN OLD PARABLE ON TRUTH AND SUBJECTIVE INTERPRETATION ! GROUP OF BLIND HEIGHT 3.6 CM signature MASAMITSU on the underside. men are touching and feeling an elephant for the first time and are trying to describe Condition: Good, original condition, expected age it. In the parable each man is feeling only one separate part of the elephant, such Condition: Very good and original condition HEIGHT 3.5 CM, LENGTH 5.7 CM cracks as the tusk, tail or side of the elephant. They then come together and discuss their 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO version but find out that every man has a completely different view of what the VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED Condition: Good condition, with minor losses to the inlaid eyes, minor surface VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED elephant is, and they end up arguing and quarrelling, as they suspect dishonesty 1974 & 1984, inventory no. 106 scratches to the base and a tiny chip to one of the tusks of the larger elephant 1974 & 1984, inventory no. 177 from the other men. It is an allusion to humans interpreting limited subjective 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL experiences as absolute truths, and sometimes even violently defending them. Estimate EUR 800,- + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 300,- HEIGHT 3.5 CM Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,- Condition: Good condition, minor expected age cracks Provenance: French private collection
,ITERATURE #OMPARE TO A SIMILAR NETSUKEIN THE "AUR COLLECTION -ARIE 4HERESE Coullery and Martin S. Newstead, Geneve, 1977, page 374, C 1194. Compare to a similar netsuke in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, accession number ALSO ON THE COVER OF THE PUBLICATION .ETSUKE -ASTERPIECES FROM THE Metropolitan Museum of Art). !UCTION COMPARISON ! NETSUKE WITH THE SAME MOTIF IN WOOD WAS SOLD AT "ONHAMS Fine Japanese Art, London, 16 May 2013, lot 123.
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-
176 177 MYTHS, LEGENDS AND HISTORICAL FIGURES
225 226 227 A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE DEPICTING KANI YAMABUSHI AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A YAMABUSHI A LARGE AND RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF THE HERO BENKEI ON A HORAGAI BY HIDEMASA WARRIOR PRIEST WITH SUBORDINATE Unsigned, wood netsuke "Y (IDEMASA IVORY NETSUKE Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, late 18th to early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Osaka, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Published: "ARRY $AVIES 3ELECTED 0IECES FROM 4HE .ETSUKE #OLLECTION OF 3COTT This fine ivory netsuke by the Osaka master Hidemasa depicts a The Yamabushi were an ancient monk sect, Meredith, no. 108. scene from the Kyogen play called ‘Kani Yamabushi’ #RAB 7ARRIOR organized militarily from the 10th century. Priest). In the play a Yamabushi is openly bragging about the new Characteristic attributes include their small This piece is large for a netsuke, most of its size is due to the trumpet conch powers he has gained through meditation and ascetism, while octagonal hats, called tokin, as well as carrying a horagai), with the hero Benkei as a small figure on top. The structure of the conch walking with his servant. On the road they meet a crab spirit and sword. The standing figure in this netsuke shows is executed very well and the tiny eyes and the characteristic tokin cap of Benkei the Yamabushi orders his servant to break the animal’s shell. In both of these, is dressed in ornately decorated are inlaid in dark horn. The hero’s robe is inlaid with two ivory buttons in the back. return the crab attacks the servant and the Yamabushi priest tries robes and is holding a walking cane as well as Benkei was a Yamabushi, a warrior monk, whose symbol was the horagai. He was to save him with prayers and meditation, however, ends up getting prayer beads. One of his legs is on the shoulder of one of the most famous heroes during the 12th century, he would lurk on the Gojo himself caught in its pincers. In this amusing netsuke a very large a man kneeling before him, probably demanding bridge in Kyoto at night and would take the swords off of samurai returning home. crab is pinching the Yamabushi in his right earlobe, while he is his subservience, especially considering the At the same spot he also met the historical hero Yoshitsune, who defeated him and holding a jingasa WAR HAT IN FRONT OF HIM )NTERESTINGLY A horagai yamabushi’s harsh expression. Good himotoshi in whose loyal follower he then became. Good and large himotoshi through the inside CONCH INSTRUMENT FREQUENTLY USED BY Yamabushi, however also the back of the kneeling figure. and outside of the conch. relating to the crab, is depicted in front him. Natural himotoshi and signature on the underside of the large rock next to the crab HEIGHT 5.1 CM LENGTH 8.7 CM ()$%-!3! "EAUTIFUL STAINING OF THE MATERIAL TYPICAL FOR (IDEMASA Condition: Very good condition Condition: Very good condition with an appealing patina HEIGHT 3.5, LENGTH 4.5 CM 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Provenance: European private collection
Condition: Excellent condition Estimate EUR 600,- Estimate EUR 2.500,- Provenance: French private collection Starting price EUR 300,- Starting price EUR 1.250,-
Estimate EUR 2.500,- Starting price EUR 1.250,-
178 179 228 A RARE WOOD NETSUKE DEPICTING KIYOHIME WITH ANCHIN TRAPPED IN THE BELL OF DOJO-JI Unsigned, wood netsuke Japan, Nagoya or Tsu, late 18th to early 19th century, %DO PERIOD
A fine and rare wood netsuke depicting Kiyohime as a serpentine monster pursuing the priest Anchin in rage and wrapping her scaly body around the temple bell in Dojo-ji, in which Anchin is hiding. The priest Anchin fell in love with the once beautiful Kiyohime, but refrained from his passions, escaping from her which made Kiyohime transform into a dragon-like monster due to her rage. In her rage she belched a fire so great it not only melted the temple bell but also killed Anchin.
The carving has influences from the Nagoya school, but the ingenious design of the Tsu school, therefore a possible candidate could be Kokei. The netsuke is exquisitely carved, the scaly body of Kiyohime appearing like the finest Nagoya- school dragons, and her long hair is finely incised. The facial expression is expressive and malevolent, as she sticks out her tongue, about to belch fire at her rejected love. When turning the handle at the top, the aftermath of this fire breathing is visible, as the white face seen in a cracked section of the bell, turns into a face covered in black soot. The bell is carved with astonishing detail as well, the surface is painstakingly stippled. The underside with good and large 229 himotoshi. A WOOD NETSUKE OF A DRUNKEN SHOJO BY TOMIN "Y 4OMIN WOOD NETSUKE HEIGHT 3.8 CM, LENGTH 4.5 CM Japan, Tsu, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
Condition: Excellent condition Published: Katchen, N7, vol.2, p.105, no. K743. Provenance: "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION STORED IN A BANK VAULT for 30 years and now offered for the first time, coming A fine wood netsuke depicting a drunken Shojo in front of a WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM .EIL + $AVEY FROM gigantic sakazuki SAKE CUP WHICH SHE HAS EMPTIED /NE OF collection no. 140 her distinctive attributes is her full long hair, which was crimson and was said to contain a much sought-after dye. The drunkenly Estimate EUR 1.500,- laughing face as well as the thick and long hair are skillfully incised. Starting price EUR 750,- Well-rounded shape, himotoshi between the well-carved feet and the signature TOMIN slightly hidden on her leg. Tomin was a brilliant student of Minko from the Tsu school, and in terms of refinement, stain and finish of the carving, certainly surpassed him.
HEIGHT 3.3 CM
Condition: Very good condition, the patina is slightly worn in some areas Provenance: Julius and Arlette Katchen collection
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
180 181 230 231 232 233 A WOOD AND IVORY NETSUKE OF SHOJO DANCING BY AN IVORY NETSUKE OF KANZAN WITH A SCROLL AN UNUSUAL SO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A PINE CONE AN IVORY NETSUKE OF URASHIMATARO ON A TURTLE BY ISSHOSAI Unsigned, ivory netsuke WITH JO AND UBA KAGETOSHI "Y )SSHOSAI WOOD AND IVORY NETSUKE Japan, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Unsigned, wood netsuke "Y +AGETOSHI IVORY NETSUKE Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, probably So-school, Tokyo, 20th century Japan, Kyoto, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Kanzan was a hermit who lived on a lonely mountain in China and Shojo is drunk from sake as always and dancing with a folding fan wrote poems, of which around 300 are known today. Jittoku was In the tale of Takasago, Jo and Uba are an old couple living in a An intricately openworked netsuke by Kagetoshi, who became in one hand. Her girlish face is inset with ivory. Many stories exist HIS COMPANION WHO WORKED IN THE MONASTERY KITCHEN "OTH ARE strong and very old pine tree, representing a long and happy life. famous for his masterful use of sukashi-bori. Urashimataro on top about Shojo, due to her name also being that of the orangutan easily recognizable, with a boy-like appearance like in this netsuke, This artful and cleverly crafted netsuke is a pine cone, probably of the turtle (minogame) is rather small, with cascades of foaming she is also called the ghost of this animal. A characteristic feature, which shows only Kanzan reading from a scroll. They have both carved from a member of the famous So-school, which can seawater crashing over them. Taro is holding a box in one hand and besides her drunkenness, is her exceptionally long hair, which in BECOME $AOIST SAINTS DUE TO THEIR EXPERIENCE OF THE TRUE NATURE be opened to reveal the happy couple with their characteristic a fishing rod in the other. The turtle on which he sits is actually Oto- this work reaches the ground. Himotoshi on the reverse, signed of things. A very cohesive, well-rounded figural composition, with attributes, a broom and a rake – their faces carved with great hime, the daughter of Ryujin, the dragon kami of the sea. Outlined ISSHOSAI. spots of honey patina. Large and good himotoshi through the back detail. The divide between the two halves of the cone is so precisely himotoshi and signature KAGETOSHI in a rectangular reserve on and on the underside. done that it can almost not be seen when closed due to the cone’s the underside. HEIGHT 4.6 CM structure. Singular ringed ivory himotoshi on the underside. HEIGHT 4.6 CM HEIGHT 3 CM Condition: Very good condition HEIGHT 3.8 CM 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Condition: Very good condition Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Condition: Good condition, the closing mechanism is semi- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Literature comparison: Possibly the same netsuke is noted in FUNCTIONAL DOES NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY AND THE AREA AROUND THE The Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the Archives of Estimate EUR 800,- hinge is slightly worn Auction comparison: For a similar netsuke of Urashimataro by THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART ! &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN Starting price EUR 400,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION +AGETOSHI SEE "ONHAMS 4HE *ULIUS AND !RLETTE +ATCHEN #OLLECTION EDITED BY 'EORGE ,AZARNICK .EW 9ORK PAGE of Fine Netsuke Part II, London, 10 May 2017, lot 32. Estimate EUR 600,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,- Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 300,- Starting price EUR 400,-
182 183 234 235 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF SOTOBA KOMACHI A VERY SMALL AND RARE MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF Unsigned, ivory netsuke SOTOBA KOMACHI Japan, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Unsigned, marine ivory netsuke Japan, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD A fine, and for the subject, quite large study of the poetess Ono no Komachi seated on a gravepost (sotoba). Ono no Komachi was An extraordinarily small netsuke carved from a rare material. Ono one of the Rokkasen, the six great poets of the 9th century. She is no Komachi, one of the great 6 poets of 9th century (Rokkasen), is depicted here as an old woman, her beauty faded, with tattered seated on a grave post, smiling gleefully. She is holding her straw clothes and holding a walking cane. Next to her is her characteristic hat over her shoulder and a basket to her right. A single inscribed large hat, worn and tattered, and a basket of fruit, which she character on the sotoba and the grain of the grave post is well- has collected from bypassing travelers. The grain of the sotoba is carved. Small himotoshi on the base. achieved masterfully, as are the detailed robes and facial features – Komachi has several wrinkles and is exclaiming. The ivory bearing HEIGHT 2.4 CM a beautiful patina and color. Himotoshi through the underside and through a ‘natural opening’ of the gravepost. Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION HEIGHT 4.2 CM, LENGTH 5.3 CM Estimate EUR 1.200,- Condition: Excellent condition, beautiful patina Starting price EUR 600,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION COLLECTION NO ON THE BASE
Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 600,-
184 185 238 A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF SATO TADANOBU DEFINDING HIMSELF WITH A GOBAN BY MASATSUGU "Y -ASATSUGU IVORY NETSUKE Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A fine ivory netsuke, full of movement and the ivory bearing a very appealing color, depicting the samurai warrior Sato Tadanobu, who lived during the late Heian period. According to legend he saved the life of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and was ATTACKED WHILE PLAYING A GAME OF GO ADAPTED FROM THE #HINESE GAME Weiqi) and the only weapon he had to defend himself was the go board. He fought off numerous attackers and ultimately committed seppuku, a form of ritual suicide, before his attackers could reach him. In the present netsuke he is depicted holding the go board over his shoulder and clenching his free hand into a fist. His flowing robes are ornately decorated with various decorative patterns and quite unusually he has the three-clawed feet of an oni. Large and irregular himotoshi through the back and the signature hidden between his legs and robes MASATSUGU.
HEIGHT 5 CM
Condition: The edge of one foot has been reattached, otherwise very good condition Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
236 237 AN UNUSUAL AND RARE BRONZE AND IVORY MANJU A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF KINTARO ON A BEAR STYLE NETSUKE DEPICTING THE BUNBUKU CHAGAMA BY Unsigned, ivory netsuke HIROMITSU Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD "Y (IROMITSU BRONZE AND IVORY NETSUKE Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Kintaro is a Japanese folk hero, the son of a high-ranking officer who was lost in the mountains. He was raised by an athletic yama- An unusual netsuke in the form of a square two-part manju style uba hMOUNTAIN WITCHv AND GREW SO STRONG THAT HE WRESTLED WITH netsuke consisting of a bronze bowl and a rectangular ivory plate bears. This netsuke shows him riding such a bear, holding his with a himotoshi loop in the back. The ivory plate depicts the characteristic attribute, a large hatchet, in one hand. Kintaro, often legend from Japanese folklore of the Bunbuku Chagama. In the TRANSLATED AS h'OLDEN "OYv IS HALF NAKED AND RATHER SMALL 4HE legend a poor man sets a tanuki free, which in return transforms bear with a charmingly ferocious expression shows an incised fur into a kettle, so that the man can perform with it on the street and pattern, inlaid eyes and the himotoshi are in his side. become wealthy. Finely carved in shishiabori SUNKEN RELIEF THE man is visibly delighted holding the tanuki tea kettle. Signature HEIGHT 3.9 CM HIROMITSU in the front. Condition: One foot of Kintaro has been restored, the ivory is LENGTH 4 CM slightly worn with a good patina Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Condition: Very good condition, the bowl with some oxidation on the inside Estimate EUR 800,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM Starting price EUR 400,- 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO
Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-
186 187 MYTHICAL BEINGS
239 A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF THE FOX MOTHER KUZUNOHA WITH CHILD Unsigned, wood netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
Another netsuke which depicts the mythical powers of the kitsune FOX )N *APANESE FOLKLORE THERE WAS A NOBLEMAN named Abe no Yasuna, who battled a hunter of foxes, and set free a white fox. He sustained several wounds in the battle, however a beautiful woman named Kuzunoha came along and nursed him back to health. The woman is actually the fox he saved, taking on human form. They fall in love and get married, and have a child named Abe no Seimei. This finely carved netsuke depicts the fox mother Kuzunoha caressing the child Abe no Seimei wrapped in a cloth and holding a paintbrush, made from bone or ivory, in her mouth. Natural himotoshi between the bushy tail and left paw.
HEIGHT 3.8 CM
Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED inventory no. 69
Auction comparison: A similar netsuke was sold at "ONHAMS &INE *APANESE !RT ,ONDON -AY LOT 240 Estimate EUR 1.500,- A TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A FOX PRIEST Starting price EUR 750,- Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
Kitsune FOX ARE CREATURES IMBUED WITH A LOT OF MYTHOLOGICAL meaning, as they can change forms, like a tanuki, and are believed to be animated by devils. In this netsuke the fox with a sly expression is disguised as a priest wearing the corresponding flowing robes and leaning on a large bamboo stick in a humanly WAY "EAUTIFUL PATINA AND GOOD IRREGULAR himotoshi through the back.
HEIGHT 8.6 CM
Condition: The left foot has been restored, otherwise good condition with an excellent patina and few expected age cracks Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Auction comparison: For a similar netsuke see Sotheby’s, Chinese AND *APANESE 7ORKS OF !RT 0ART ,ONDON .OVEMBER lot 1286.
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
188 189 two views
241 242 A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A TANUKI PRIEST AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A TANUKI WITH HUGE SCROTUM BY Unsigned, ivory netsuke GYOKURENSAI SANSUI Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD "Y 3ANSUI IVORY NETSUKE WITH INLAYS Japan, Osaka, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD A quite peculiar netsuke depicting a tanuki transformed into a priest. This netsuke shows the duality of the mythical badger’s An amusing ivory netsuke of a tanuki with a vastly distended existence as a priest, since one side shows the human form, the scrotum – it is so large that the tanuki can lean its head on it. One visible eye closed, with priestly robes, leaning on a stick and side is inlaid with mother of pearl and colored wood. Tanuki were wearing a waraji which is shown on the underside. The only hint on known to suffocate hunters with their giant testicles. The tanuki this side is the large incisor visible in the mouth. The other side, very has an amusingly fierce expression and its tail curls around to the amusingly, shows the tanuki in all its splendor – wide open eye, other side of the scrotum, where the large and irregular himotoshi as if its true form has awakened, dense fur, the ear visible in the are found, as well as the characteristic signature written in sosho priest’s cap, and the clothes of the priest have changed into three SANSUI. Gyokurensai Sansui was a student of Rakuzan in the large and veiny lotus leaves. One paw is visible on the side and the school of Garaku of Osaka. underside with the bushy tail and another paw. Good himotoshi through the back. HEIGHT 4.3 CM 243 A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A TANUKI PRIEST BY HOGYOKU HEIGHT 4 CM HEIGHT 5.5 CM Condition: Age cracks and minor wear to ivory, good condition "Y (OGYOKU IVORY NETSUKE 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Japan, Edo, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Condition: Very good condition, Condition: Excellent condition, fine patina small nerve channel visible in the back 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM Literature comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke by the artist A fine and precisely carved work with dark brown contrasting 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO illustrated in in Netsuke & Inro Artists and how to read their staining of the ivory. The old crouched man has a monkey-like face, signatures by George Lazarnick, 1981, page 915. but that is not all. He is wearing a full-length garment, his hair in Estimate EUR 1.200,- Estimate EUR 800,- a bun, and is operating a barrel with one finely carved “hand”. A Starting price EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 400,- Estimate EUR 600,- peak on the underside however reveals paws and a thick tail, which Starting price EUR 300,- is not a monkey tail but that of a tanuki, which has the ability to shapeshift and could transform into a priest. Small himotoshi on the side and the signature on the underside of the barrel HOGYOKU. The artist was a student of the great Hojitsu from Edo/Tokyo.
190 191 244 245 AN EXCELLENT NETSUKE OF A HATCHING TENGU BY MUNECHIKA AFTER HARA SHUMIN A RARE AND EXCELLENT NETSUKE OF TENGU NO TOMAGO "Y -UNECHIKA AFTER (ARA 3HUMIN WOOD NETSUKE WITH INLAY BY NAITO TOYOMASA (1773-1856) Japan, Edo, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD "Y 4OYOMASA WOOD NETSUKE Japan, Tanba, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD A wood netsuke of a hatching tengu known as tengu no tomago. A well-detailed and incredibly fine carving – the tengu’s head emerges from the shell with finely incised hair and wearing a Yamabushi An excellent wood netsuke of a hatching tengu, known as tengu cap. The tengu has a wild expression and grasps the edge of the shell with one hand, while the no tomago BY THE CELEBRATED 4ANBA ARTIST .AITO 4OYOMASA other is visible on the underside. The feathery wing carved with extraordinary detail is visible inside – 1856). The mythical creature is emerging from the cracked egg, the egg, while the other wing perforates the underside of the shell. One himotoshi ringed in green- poking out its head with curved beak and enigmatic eyes inlaid stained ivory with the other as a pierced aperture in the form of a pine, next to a maple leaf and in pale translucent horn. One wing is laid out over the surface of foliage. The wood of a very appealing color with a beautiful grain. Signed MUNECHIKA with kao. the egg and the other is close to its body, semi-hidden inside the Jonas mentions a 19th century wood carver who signed Munechika, who must have been a close egg, as it is climbing out of. The plumage and hair are carved with student of Hara Shumin, since the design is almost exactly the same as the one by Shumin and also precision and the wood is darkened and accentuated in some areas, the manner of signature and use of kao is quite similar. which is typical for the artist. Himotoshi on the underside and signature in the front reading TOYOMASA. LENGTH 4 CM HEIGHT 4.7 CM Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED Condition: Very good condition, one minor crack between the 1974 & 1984, inventory no. 176 himotoshi Provenance: European private collection !UCTION COMPARISON &OR AN ALMOST IDENTICAL EXAMPLE BY (ARA 3HUMIN SEE "ONHAMS &INE *APANESE Art, London, 17 May 2018, lot 7. Literature comparison: Compare to a strikingly similar netsuke by 4OYOMASA IN ! #OMPREHENSIVE 3TUDY "ASED ON THE -4 (INDSON Estimate EUR 3.000,- #OLLECTION .EIL + $AVEY ,ONDON NO Starting price EUR 1.500,- Estimate EUR 6.000,- Starting price EUR 3.000,-
192 193 246 247 248 AN UNUSUAL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TENGU ROLLING AN EGG A RARE MARINE IVORY INGYO NETSUKE OF A KIRIN AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT SHIBAYAMA SHISHI BY SANKA 5NSIGNED MARINE IVORY INGYO SEAL NETSUKE Unsigned, ivory netsuke with inlays "Y 3ANKA IVORY NETSUKE Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD The Kirin DERIVED FROM THE #HINESE Qilin) is seated, the fatty tissue The shishi’s head shows a grim expression, and the style of carving is very An unusual ivory netsuke depicting a Karasu Tengu rolling an egg, on his haunches and the flaming body well expressed, looking much reminiscent of shishi by the celebrated carver Ishikawa Rensai. Curly which is significantly larger than him. The whole composition is set backwards with a powerful expression, which comes across as whiskers, mane and tail as well as tassel-shaped decorative inlays throughout on an irregularly shaped base, with small himotoshi and signature more feeble than ferocious. It is a young Kirin, distinguishable by in shibayama style made from precious stones and red coral. Inlays also on SANKA on the underside. the rather small horn, which has not yet mastered the powerful the flat, oval base, but made from metal and silver. The pupils are inlaid and expression of the adult Kirin. With four-character seal on the base; the himotoshi are located on the underside. HEIGHT 2.5 CM, LENGTH 4 CM natural himotoshi through the legs. LENGTH 4.4 CM Condition: Good condition, one large age crack through the egg HEIGHT 4.1 CM 249 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Condition: Good condition, with very minor losses to inlay and surface A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI WITH Condition: Very good condition with excellent patina scratches to the underside of the base EXPRESSIVE CURLS AND BALL Estimate EUR 600,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM Provenance: Austrian private estate Unsigned, ivory netsuke Starting price EUR 300,- 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO Japan, Kyoto, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Estimate EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,- An ivory netsuke of a seated shishi with a smooth ball Starting price EUR 500,- between its large paws. It has floppy ears, reishi nose, an expressive mane which curls upwards and a bushy tail. The hairwork is incised and inked beautifully. Himotoshi through the side and underside. Very good patina.
HEIGHT 3.7 CM
Condition: Very good condition Provenance: Austrian private collection
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-
194 195 250 A POWERFUL KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI Unsigned, ivory netsuke 251 252 Japan, Kyoto, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD AN AMUSING IVORY NETSUKE OF A PLAYFUL SHISHI A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI Unsigned, ivory netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke A bold and impressive ivory netsuke of a recumbent shishi Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD executed in distinct Kyoto style, probably carved by an artist of the Okatomo school. The shishi has a bushy tail, mane, floppy A quite unusual and humorous representation of a squatting shishi. A fine and detailed study of a shishi, with its mouth opened with a ears and is scratching its densely bearded chin with its hind leg. His pupils, inlaid in dark horn, are very large and he has a huge loose ball inside. The ivory of a very good color with a worn patina. The powerful expression is a mixture of a deep satisfaction and smile as he is visibly excited and ready to pounce on whatever he is Expressed spine, bushy mane and the tail with many curls and a an expressively powerful snarl. The shishi’s spine and rib cage are looking at. Loose ball in the mouth, very good yellow honey patina section which flows upwards to the lion dog’s back. Good, irregular articulated and the large himotoshi are located on the underside. and his bushy tail leads to the underside where the himotoshi are and large himotoshi on the underside. located. HEIGHT 3.5 CM, LENGTH 5 CM HEIGHT 2.5 CM, LENGTH 3.7 CM HEIGHT 3.2 CM, LENGTH 4.2 CM Condition: The patina is slightly rubbed in some areas, and the Condition: Good condition, with a fine and worn patina and few two front legs have been reattached and fixed with a peg #ONDITION "OTH HINDLEGS HAVE BEEN REATTACHED FEW AGE CRACKS expected age cracks Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman good patina - generally, in good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman !UCTION COMPARISON ! COMPARABLE SHISHI WAS SOLD AT "ONHAMS Estimate EUR 1.200,- Fine Japanese Works of Art, New York, 19 March 2008, lot 5079. Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 600,- ! COMPARABLE SHISHI BY /KATOMO WAS SOLD AT "ONHAMS 4HE Starting price EUR 750,- Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, London, 6 November 2011, lot 18.
Estimate EUR 4.000,- Starting price EUR 2.000,-
196 197 253 A FINE KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI WITH BALL AFTER OKATORI Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A fine ivory netsuke of a shishi in a remarkable pose, standing upright on one leg, placing the other leg and front paw on the smooth ball, with the other paw raised in the air. His bushy tail and mane, and the fatty tissue with pronounced decorative spirals are carved remarkably well. The lion dog has its mouth wide open with bared teeth and a snarling expression, with humorously narrow eyes inlaid in dark horn. The backside is slightly flattened, of ideally functional netsuke-shape and with a very attractive deep honey patina. Natural himotoshi. The original model is by the famous Kyoto carver Okatori, and this present work is probably carved by a pupil. 254 A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A POWERFUL SHISHI HEIGHT 4.4 CM HEIGHT 5.2 CM ATTRIBUTED TO MITSUHARU Unsigned, attributed to Mitsuharu, ivory netsuke Condition: Good condition, the patina somewhat rubbed Condition: Very good condition, beautiful patina Japan, Kyoto, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Provenance: European private collection, formerly the collection of Provenance: European private collection (IS 2OYAL (IGHNESS 0RINCE (ENRY $UKE OF 'LOUCESTER The powerful shishi, executed in ideally rounded netsuke form, with sold at Christie’s London, 12th-13th July 2006, lot 661 Literature comparison: The original model by Okatori is illustrated a flowing mane and mighty curls. It is holding a large and smooth in The Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the Archives of the ball between its clawed paws, and has its head tilted backwards, Estimate EUR 2.500,- "RITISH -USEUM 0ART " &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE roaring with all its might, eyes wide open with inlaid pupils of dark Starting price EUR 1250,- Lazarnick), New York, 1986, page 623. horn and bared teeth. The carving is unsigned, however certainly attributed to the workshop of Mitsuharu, who was famous, Estimate EUR 2.500,- amongst other carvings, for his shishi, which are unique in their Starting price EUR 1250,- style, expression and power. Good and large himotoshi through the bottom and side and loose ball in the mouth of the mythical beast.
198 199 255 256 A VERY RARE INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF A TENNIN A RARE WALNUT NETSUKE OF A LUNAR HARE Unsigned, wood netsuke with inlays of mother of pearl, coral and malachite Unsigned, walnut netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
.EIL $AVEY DESCRIBES THIS tennin as a ‘choice figure’, which perhaps may even be an Carving a whole nut in relief is quite an artistic feat due to its understatement, as not only is the subject quite rare, this variant in wood and with difficulty. The top side shows a dense image of a running rabbit inlays is something that may only exist once. The tennin is carved from an attractive (usagi) with exaggeratedly long ears, surrounded by rocks and piece of wood with a good color and fine grain. She is depicted, as usual, holding a plants, underneath the crescent moon, surely an allusion to the large lotus bud and flying with heavenly garlands surrounding her. The entire carving legendary moon rabbit, or lunar hare. Also, the rabbit is running is inlaid with mother of pearl, some of them with incised cloud patterns, coral and across densely carved sprays of waves, another allusion to the malachite. Her hair is neatly arranged into a top bun held together by a tiara, the central moon, as the moons reflection is visible in the water. The reverse jewel inlaid in coral. Small himotoshi on the underside. with a finely carved brocade pattern and one silver-outlined and one heart-shaped himotoshi. HEIGHT 2.9 CM, LENGTH 4.3 CM LENGTH 3.7 CM Condition: Good condition, with a fine and worn patina and few expected age cracks 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION STORED IN A BANK VAULT FOR YEARS AND NOW Condition: Excellent condition OFFERED FOR THE lRST TIME COMING WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM .EIL + $AVEY FROM Provenance: German private collection 1984, collection no. 20, additionally an old collection label ‘F 99’ Estimate EUR 1.200,- Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 750,-
200 201 SHOKI AND ONI
257 258 259 260 A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A MERMAID ON CLAM A FINE MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A NAMAZU WITH MAN AN IVORY NETSUKE OF AN ONI POLISHING A SOJOBO MASK A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A REPENTANT ONI WITH NIO BY SHELL Unsigned, ivory netsuke BY TOMOMASA SHUNKA Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD "Y 4OMOMASA IVORY NETSUKE WITH INLAYS "Y 3HUNKA IVORY NETSUKE Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Edo, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, probably Tokyo, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD The namazu is a mythological creature, a giant catfish that causes A very rare netsuke depicting a mermaid (ningyo) armed with a earthquakes when it moves. The only way to calm it is by using a An unusual rendition of a classic model by the Edo/Tokyo artist A fine and fragile carving – depicted is a kneeling oni applying sickle and lying on top of an awabi shell. The ningyo is depicted, magical double-gourd (hyotan). This netsuke also shows a man, Tomomasa. A slightly crouched oni wearing a tiger-skin loincloth, moxa, in the form of a burning hot needle, to a Nio. The guardian as usual, with a naked female upper body, with finely crafted and naked except for a loincloth and without the hyotan, his hands laid WITH A TOBACCO POUCH AND ASHTRAY NETSUKE WITH MOTHER OF PEARL deity is lying down resting his head on his hand and seems to be subtle facial features, and the lower body as a long tail, like that of on the fish, evidently attempting to calm it, but without the gourd a inlay) tied to his obi, is polishing the mask of the tengu-king Sojobo. undisturbed by the application of moxa to his leg, as his expression a fish. The structure of the awabi, with the characteristic openings futile endeavor. The namazu’s eyes are inlaid with dark horn, large The oni has a muscular body and legs, with bangles made from is that of a typical Nio. The oni is repentant as moxibustion was on the side, is executed precisely. Interestingly, mermaids are and appear lurking. Himotoshi on the underside. horn around his arms. He is malevolently snarling, with visible PART OF THE ORDINATION PROCESS FOR "UDDHIST MONKS IN *APAN .OTE known to have listened to the sea shells to hear the secrets of the fangs for teeth, and minutely inlaid eyes. The tengu king’s facial the very fine details of the carving – the garlands of the Nio, the sea, and the awabi is also known as an ear shell. The underside LENGTH 4.6 CM expression is carved powerfully as well with a poignantly pointed individual fingers and toes and the decorations of the garments, with beautiful honey-patina, large himotoshi and wonderful sensual nose and inlaid eyes. Himotoshi through the bridge on the back of as well as the carefully carved expressions. Natural himotoshi structure of the smooth mollusk. Condition: Good condition, beautiful patina, possibly one eye the Sojobo mask and the signature on the loincloth TOMOMASA and signature on the back SHUNKA. The carving bears some replaced seki. resemblance to Tomomasa. HEIGHT 2.6, LENGTH 4.6 CM 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION HEIGHT 4.2 CM HEIGHT 2.6 CM, LENGTH 5 CM Condition: Expected age cracks, one through the right arm, Estimate EUR 1.000,- beautiful patina - generally, in very good condition Starting price EUR 500,- Condition: One horn is chipped, minor age cracks, otherwise very Condition: Very good condition, only one very minor chip to one of Provenance: The 40-Year collection of a London Gentleman good condition the toes of the oni Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Provenance: A European private collection Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 600,- Auction comparison: For a similar netsuke by the artist see Estimate EUR 1.000,- "ONHAMS &INE *APANESE 7ORKS OF !RT .EW 9ORK -ARCH Starting price EUR 500,- lot 2096.
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-
202 203 261 AN EXCELLENT IVORY NETSUKE OF A BATHING ONI BY KIHODO MASAKA "Y -ASAKA IVORY NETSUKE Japan, Osaka, late 19th century to early 20th century, Meiji period
An ivory netsuke of an oni seated in a shallow basket filled with water and washing himself with a towel. One leg is tucked under his body and the other is hanging out. The muscular oni has long curly hair and short and sharp horns and the facial expression is magnificently detailed and remarkably sensitive and benevolent, which is unusual for depictions of oni. The oni is figuratively WASHING HIMSELF FROM HIS SINS AGAINST "UDDHISM THE waraji next to the bucket are another indication of the ‘humanity’ of the devil. The underside with the oni’s loincloth and the two himotoshi, as well as the signature MASAKA to. Works by Kihodo Masaka were bought by the Meiji Emperor, Prince Komatsu and Prince Arisuga.
HEIGHT 3.5 CM
Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: European private collection
Literature comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke by the artist published in Expressions of Style: Netsuke as Art, Scholten Japanese Art, New York, August 2001, no. 65.
Estimate EUR 5.000,- Starting price EUR 2.500,-
204 205 264 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A FARMER WITH A HEAVY BAG OF ONI BY RYUKEI II "Y 2YUKEI IVORY NETSUKE Japan, 19th century, Edo period 262 263 A RARE SO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A PRIESTESS WITH A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI NEMBUTSU BY ONI NEMBUTSU MASAMITSU The large bag is heavy, as it contains several oni DEMONS TWO OF Unsigned, attributed to So-school, wood netsuke "Y -ASAMITSU WOOD NETSUKE WITH IVORY BONE MOTHER OF PEARL which are peaking out of holes in the bag and looking quite wicked. Japan, Tokyo, late 19th to early 20th century, lacquer and metal inlays Strictly speaking, the oni would be far too clever to be captured by -EIJI PERIOD Japan, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD this farmer or any mortal, as even the famous Shoki had enough trouble with them – but he is happy with his catch and appears to ! lNE WOOD NETSUKE WITH RICH "UDDHIST SYMBOLISM n A TEMPLE An oni with horns on its head, blissfully and earnestly looking up be considering the price for demons at the market. The farmer has a bell lying on the ground, the suspension with oppositely arranged towards the heavenly sky. This oni wants to renounce its demonic beard and is wearing a headscarf. Himotoshi on the underside, signed dragon heads like on a mokugyo. An oni, fully dressed in a monk’s WAYS AND BECOME A DEVOUT "UDDHIST )T IS CARRYING A PARASOL WITH RYUKEI with characteristic kakihan next to one of the oni’s faces. The 265 attire, sits beside the bell, holding a paper lantern and a mallet with bone handle as well as a sagemono pouch and has a block for artist is Ryukei II, who was active from 1830-1870, and Jugyoku was A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF AN ONI PROTECTING HIMSELF A DRUM SUSPENDED AROUND HIS NECK (E HAS ACCEPTED THE "UDDHIST donations in front of it, with a netsuke made from glass attached said to have been his pupil. DURING ONI-YARAI teachings. A priestess with a large hat stands behind the demon, to it, showing the characters Hogacho REFFERING TO A "UDDHIST Unsigned, ivory netsuke the garment folds are finely executed, and she is holding a large subscription list. The oni’s muscular, naked torso is well-crafted, LENGTH 3.7 CM Japan, Edo, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD scepter draped over her shoulder. Finely and precisely executed the horns, fangs and eyes are inlaid, the sagemono pouch which details, the oni’s eyes white and inlaid. Natural himotoshi. is attached to his obi is made from bone or antler, the himotoshi Condition: Very good condition A fine netsuke depicting an oni holding a tattered straw hat with are outlined in mother of pearl and green-stained ivory and the Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of London Gentleman both hands over his back. The oni is being pelted with roasted HEIGHT 4.4 CM loincloth shows the signature MASAMITSU on an inlaid red-lacquer beans, visible on the straw hat, referencing the oni-yarai festival tablet on the underside. Possibly this is the Masamitsu who made Literature comparison: Compare to a netsuke in similar style depicting ALSO KNOWN AS setsubun), which happens during the spring festival Condition: Excellent condition lacquer netsuke mentioned in MCI as carver no.6 on page 433. THE "UNBUKU #HAGAMA IN 4HE -EINERTZHAGEN #ARD )NDEX ON .ETSUKE and is a rite to drive away evil spirits. The ivory is lightly stained, and 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION IN THE !RCHIVES OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART " &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN the carving is superbly detailed. The patterns on the straw hat are HEIGHT 4.3 CM EDITED BY 'EORGE ,AZARNICK .EW 9ORK PAGE carved exquisitely. Also note the crisply carved clawed hands and Auction comparison: For an oni nembutsu in similar style by Ouchi Auction comparison: A similar netsuke by Ryusai was sold at Zacke, feet of the oni. The horned demon has an anguished expression 3OSUI SEE "ONHAMS &INE *APANESE !RT ,ONDON .OVEMBER Condition: Excellent condition Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, Vienna, 24 November 2018, with inlaid eyes of dark horn. Natural himotoshi. Probably carved by lot 13. 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION lot 126. a member of the Ikkosai school from Edo/Tokyo.
Estimate EUR 800,- Estimate EUR 800,- Estimate EUR 800,- HEIGHT 3.2 CM Starting price EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 400,- Condition: Minor age cracks, good condition Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-
206 207 266 A FINE AND RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI TRAPPING SHOKI BY KANO TOMOKAZU "Y 4OMOKAZU WOOD NETSUKE WITH INLAYS *APAN 'IFU TH CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A dramatic scene showing a muscular oni trapping the famous demon hunter Shoki in a basket. The clawed demon dressed in a loin cloth is on top of the large basket and turning the netsuke reveals the grim demon queller crammed into the small basket. His eyes and the buttons on his garment are inlaid in ivory and the hilt of his sword and his pupils are inlaid in black horn. A striking detail is that the sword actually perforates through the basket to the other side. The oni’s facial expression is quite amusing, menacing but also signifying his satisfaction, having finally captured the great Shoki, who looks helpless on the other side. Natural himotoshi between Shoki’s legs, signed TOMOKAZU in a rounded reserve. The artist Kano Tomokazu originated from Gifu.
HEIGHT 3 CM, LENGTH 3.9 CM
Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Auction comparison: Compare to an almost identical netsuke by Tomokazu sold at Quinn’s Auction Galleries, The Mang Collection of Japanese Art, Falls #HURCH $ECEMBER LOT Literature comparison: Another similar model by the artist is illustrated with a line drawing in The Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the !RCHIVES OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART " &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE ,AZARNICK .EW York, 1986, page 901
Estimate EUR 4.000,- Starting price EUR 2.000,-
208 209 267 268 269 A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF SHOKI AFTER TOMOTADA AN IVORY NETSUKE OF THE DEMON HUNTER SHOKI A TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND ONI Signed Tomotada, ivory netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, Kyoto, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, late 18th to early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Kyoto, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
The demon queller, wearing a large hat with inlaid horn filial, is Shoki THE $EMON QUELLER IS A POPULAR NETSUKE MOTIF (E ALWAYS The demon queller Shoki, dressed in flowing Chinese robes, shown holding a straight downwards-pointing ken sword and has a fierce expression, a full beard as well as a straight Chinese is holding an oni aloft over his shoulder and behind his back. fondling his long and flowing beard. His expression is grim, as he ken sword, as he originates from China, where he is known Shoki is exclaiming with a powerful expression while the is thinking about hunting an oni WHICH IS HIS RATHER UNSUCCESSFUL as Zhong Kui; after he banished the fever ghosts haunting the oni’s expression is amusingly grim, he is visibly annoyed that trade. Shoki has inlaid eyes of black horn and his garments are Emperor Xuanzong, he was appointed imperial demon hunter. he has been caught and is flailing his legs and pulling on the flowing and decorated with stylized clouds. The backside with In this netsuke Shoki is shown looking upwards with a powerful demon hunter’s beard. Considerable care has been taken in a good patina and the himotoshi through the underside of the expression, eyes wide-opened, with a bifurcated flowing beard. His the carving of the garments, with fine folds and decorations SCABBARD AS WELL AS THE SIGNATURE 4/-/4!$! IN A RECTANGULAR robes are ornately decorated with reishi-shaped stylized clouds and of stylized clouds and cross-etched patterns on the sleeves. reserve, however the work of a pupil. A rare motif for the school. the large and irregular himotoshi, showing signs of wear, are on the The composition is full of movement – Shoki is standing on backside. one leg, as if he was dancing and presenting to us this stately HEIGHT 6.2 CM specimen of an oni. Straight ken sword on his back next to HEIGHT 6.2 CM the large and irregular himotoshi which show some wear. Condition: A section of the hat has been restored, few age cracks - otherwise good condition with an appealing patina Condition: One side of the beard is chipped, the himotoshi show HEIGHT 7.8 CM Provenance: The 40-Year collection of a London Gentleman wear, very fine patina 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Condition: Few age cracks and a very good patina, especially Auction comparison: For another netsuke after Tomotada of a to the backside - very good condition Shoki see Lempertz, Netsuke aus der Sammlung Kolodotschko Teil Estimate EUR 800,- Provenance: European private collection I, Cologne, 14 Juni 2016, lot 137. Starting price EUR 400,- Estimate EUR 2.500,- Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 1.250,- Starting price EUR 600,-
210 211 STILL LIFE
270 AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A SKELETON BY SHOZAN By Shozan, ivory netsuke Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A technically perfect, hollowed skeleton (honegumi) in a characteristic pose, as corpses were placed in small boxes, the head resting on the knees in a meditative and embryonic pose as preparation for reincarnation. This is impressively evoked through the skeleton’s facial expression, as it is quite alive. Himotoshi in the pelvis, beside a finely incised signature SHOZAN.
HEIGHT 5.8 CM
Condition: Age cracks, good condition Provenance: British private collection
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,- 271 272 A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SAKADARU AND SAKE CUP A WOOD NETSUKE OF A GROUP OF COINS Unsigned, ivory netsuke Unsigned, wood netsuke Japan, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A beautiful still-life netsuke, imbued with a lot of meanings, Five piles of five coins each on top of each other with a square hole DEPICTING A SAKE BARREL sakadaru). The top is inscribed with the IN THE CENTER EXCEPT FOR ONE GROUP WITH A CIRCULAR HOLE $IFFERENT character Ju ⢥ for “long life” on the front, which also is found line patterns are neatly incised, and the wood is colored. Natural in the names of the deities Fukurokuju and Jurojin. A sake bowl himotoshi. beneath this character, from which the scent of the spirit rises. A ladle and a fan are also shown. Singular himotoshi through the LENGTH 6.1 CM back. Condition: Good condition HEIGHT 3.8 CM 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION OLD INVENTORY NO
Condition: Excellent condition with a very appealing patina Estimate EUR 600,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Starting price EUR 300,-
Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-
212 213 275 A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF FIVE MUSHROOMS Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
An elongated ivory netsuke with five mushrooms in various positions, all picked and their stalks forming an arch, which can also be used as himotoshi. The caps are smooth and very precisely carved on the underside with radial gills, which are darkly colored, as are the little tears and irregularities on the edges of the caps. The surface of the caps are stained to highlight the beautiful grain of the ivory.
LENGTH 6 CM
Condition: Excellent condition 273 274 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION 277 A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A BAMBOO STALK VESSEL AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF A SNAIL, GOURDS AND A MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A GROUP OF Unsigned, ivory netsuke BEEHIVE Estimate EUR 600,- SEALS Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Unsigned, ivory netsuke Starting price EUR 300,- Unsigned, marine ivory netsuke Japan, 18th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD A finely polished, elegant netsuke of a vessel made from a bamboo stalk, the inside hollowed out very well. The simplicity of the design An unusual, early and dense composition depicting a still-life scene Several seals piled on top of each other. The coupled with the beautiful stain and exceptionally fine carving is with two double-gourds, one smaller and slightly caved in, with a characters are not names but represent certain REMINISCENT OF WORKS BY /SAKA ARTIST /HARA -ITSUHIRO "AMBOO gnarly branch between them, and crowned by a circular roof with ideas, such as “keeping the faith” at the top, take) is a symbol of loyalty and longevity, as it is flexible and tough a snail on top, its shell a striking spiral and its body bending like or “fostering honesty” above the single small but of a poetic appearance. The bamboo leaves in high relief on snake. In-between what resembles sections of a beehive. Very large character Fuku, meaning “good fortune”. Cleverly the front evoke this idea particularly well. Singular himotoshi on the himotoshi and fine honey patina. placed himotoshi on the reverse. reverse. HEIGHT 3.7 CM HEIGHT 4.3 CM HEIGHT 3.6 CM Condition: Possibly a small chip to the edge of the snail, a section in Condition: Good condition, minor cracks and Condition: Excellent condition the front is lost, many age cracks, general wear, especially around imperfections of the material 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM the himotoshi; very appealing patina 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Estimate EUR 500,- Estimate EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 250,- Starting price EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 300,- 276 A WOOD NETSUKE OF A BROWN which also offers a cord hole. Very SHIMEJI MUSHROOM appealing, compact shape. Unsigned, wood netsuke Japan, mid-19th century, Edo period LENGTH 4.2 CM Condition: Good condition The mushroom cap is smooth on 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION top, the wood with fine black-brown mottling. The underside shows Estimate EUR 500,- precisely carved radial gills as well as Starting price EUR 250,- the characteristically bulbous stem,
214 215 MANJU NETSUKE
281 AN IVORY MANJU NETSUKE OF within a wavy reserve on the reverse. SHOKI BY DORAKU $ORAKU WAS A MEMBER OF THE /SAKA "Y $ORAKU IVORY manju netsuke SCHOOL AND ALSO KNOWN AS $ORAKUSAI Japan, Osaka, 19th century, %DO PERIOD $)!-%4%2 #-
This manju netsuke shows a half- Condition: Very good condition length portrait of Shoki, with 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION a full beard and thick hair like beams around the entire head. Literature comparison: Manjugata Shoki is the hunter of demons and FROM $ORAKU ARE RATHER RARE HOWEVER originated from China, known one depicting a Rakan is illustrated as Zhong Kui there, and is also in The Meinertzhagen Card Index considered a protective deity against on Netsuke in the Archives of the various illnesses. He is wearing the "RITISH -USEUM 0ART ! &REDERICK characteristic Chinese ministerial hat -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE and the handle of his sword can also Lazarnick), page 49 278 279 280 be seen, with a tassel inlaid with A FINE INLAID IVORY MANJU NETSUKE A FINE INLAID IVORY MANJU NETSUKE A FINE INLAID IVORY MANJU NETSUKE a glass bead. Himotoshi and very Estimate EUR 800,- OF A MAN DRINKING SAKE BY MINJO OF A FISHERMAN WITH HIS BOAT BY WITH SPRING FLOWERS BY MEIKEISAI ABBREVIATED SIGNATURE $/2!+5 Starting price EUR 400,- "Y -INJO IVORY manju netsuke with silver, SERIZAWA RYUMIN HOJITSU gold, shakudo and horn "Y 2YUMIN manju netsuke, ivory and inlays "Y -EIKEISAI manju netsuke, ivory and Japan, 19th century, of gold, silver, shakudo, cloisonné, mother inlays 282 %DO PERIOD of pearl and horn Japan, Edo, mid-19th century, AN IVORY MANJU NETSUKE BY artist, except that he carved manju Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD %DO PERIOD KOYUSAI with depictions of suzume. An autumnal maple tree with red leaves, "Y +OYUSAI IVORY NETSUKE under which a man is seated with a sake A double-part manjugata depicting a A rather small and fine two-part Japan, mid to late 19th century HEIGHT 3.6 CM, LENGTH 4 CM cup in front of him, the gilt bottle beside fisherman carrying his heavy boat to the manjugata showing a delicately and him. A rake lies right in front of the man, shore on his back. The fisherman and the PRECISELY INLAID PLUM TREE ume) with many Carved in shishiabori SUNKEN RELIEF Condition: Very good condition, one suggesting him to be a temple servant who boat are semi-sculpturally inlaid in almost blossoms, symbolizing hope and bravery. with the depiction of a courtly man minor age crack on the reverse is enjoying a break after raking leaves on black shakudo, the rope on the boat as well The branches with almost black horn, wearing an eboshi with a cross Provenance: Austrian private estate THE PALACE GROUNDS "EHIND HIM A lRE IN as some of the grasses on the shore are some areas light brown, the blossoms symbol and holding a stick with a which the raked leaves are burning. Inlays gilt, others made from cloisonné enamel all with silvery mother-of-pearl. Signed round object, possibly a drum, on top Auction comparison: For another with horn, shakudo, silver and gold. Signed and the blossoms with mother-of-pearl and MEIKEISAI on the interior, an artist name SHOWING A mYING SPARROW suzume). manju with a similar depiction by MINJO with kakihan, on the reverse in an horn. The moon is inlaid in silver. Central used by Hojitsu, one of the best-known The reverse shows a drumstick and Koyusai see Zacke, Antike Asiatische inlaid metal plaque. Minjo was a known himotoshi on the underside and signature netsuke carvers in Tokyo. Hojitsu lived until a racket handle with a mitsudomo-e Kunst, Vienna, May 2003, lot 129. metalwork artist who made mostly fine on a silver plate RYUMIN, for Serizawa 1872 and also worked for the Shogun. symbol within a stippled reserve. kagamibuta. Ryumin, a famous metalwork artist who Signed KOYUSAI in a square reserve Estimate EUR 600,- made fine kanamono and kagamibuta. $)!-%4%2 #- – not much is known about the Starting price EUR 300,- $)!-%4%2 #- $)!-%4%2 #- Condition: Good condition Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION 283 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Condition: Very good condition, two minor AN IVORY SQUARE MANJU upwards – towards enlightenment. cracks near the large inlay and loss of inlay Estimate EUR 800,- NETSUKE OF DARUMA Daruma was of Indian origin and Literature comparison: For other works to one of the grasses Starting price EUR 400,- Unsigned, ivory netsuke became the first patriarch of Zen by the artist see The Meinertzhagen 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION TWO Japan, 19th century, "UDDHISM )NLAID EYES OF DARK HORN Card Index on Netsuke in the Archives old collection numbers in the exterior and %DO PERIOD and himotoshi on the reverse. OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART " &REDERICK interior -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE A square netsuke plate with SIZE 4.6 x 4.6 CM Lazarnick), New York, 1986, page 503. Estimate EUR 1.000,- rounded edges and carved in Starting price EUR 500,- shishiabori SUNKEN RELIEF ON TOP Condition: Excellent condition Estimate EUR 1.000,- showing a half-length portrait of the 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Starting price EUR 500,- :EN PATRIARCH "ODHIDHARMA CALLED stored in a bank vault for 40 years, $ARUMA IN *APAN WHO SPENT NINE collection no. 37 years meditating in front of a wall. The depiction shows him shrouded Estimate EUR 500,- and gazing yearningly Starting price EUR 250,-
216 217 KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE
285 286 287 A FINE IVORY AND SHAKUDO A RARE IVORY AND SHAKUDO AN UNUSUAL KAGAMIBUTA KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE WITH AN NETSUKE OF AN ONI AND FUTEN DEPICTING SHOKI THE DEMON UNUSUAL REPRESENTATION OF PLAYING KUBIHIKI QUELLER WITH ONI FUTEN Unsigned, kagamibuta netsuke, Unsigned, kagamibuta netsuke with Unsigned, kagamibuta netsuke with metals, ivory shakudo, gold, copper and ivory shakudo, gold, copper and ivory Japan, 19th century, 284 Japan, 19th century, Japan, 19th century, %DO PERIOD AN EXCELLENT KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE OF A NIO GUARDIAN %DO PERIOD %DO PERIOD BY KIKUGAWA MASAMITSU An amusing kagamibuta depicting an "Y -ASAMITSU kagamibuta netsuke, wood, metals, gold Shoki has a full beard and wide hat, This kagamibuta netsuke with a oni and the wind god Futen playing Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD his face showing a characteristically shakudo lid shows the wind god Futen, kubihiki, the latter recognizable by the grim expression. Shoki is a hunter or Fujin, with his swelling windbag bag of wind behind him, his clawed An artfully and semi-sculpturally executed Nio, one of the two of demons, who in many depictions behind him. The details in copper and feet and the garland that surrounds h"ENEVOLENT +INGSv THE GIGANTIC MUSCULAR GUARDIANS OF THE are a little craftier than he is. This gold. Futen has a demonic appearance him. Kubihiki is a game were two "UDDHA STANDING AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE TEMPLES 4HIS Nio shows kagamibita netsuke shows a horned in this work, with wild blowing hair, contestants put a rope around their a grim fierce expression and has a markedly athletic appearance. oni close beside him with a gleeful although as god of winds he also necks and try their strength by He is holding a kongo vajra) in one hand. The figure in copper, expression, its head made from saved Japan from a Mongol invasion by drawing. The reddish copper of the the loincloth in shakudo and gold and the eyes inlaid in gold as copper. The demon and Shoki are destroying war ships in a storm. oni is pleasantly contrasting with the well. Flowing celestial scarves. The background is chased. Signed executed in high relief, with an iris blackish shakudo. The oni’s horns, eyes MASAMITSU on a small plate, for the artist from the Kikugawa shobu), which is meant to dispel $)!-%4%2 #- and the loincloth with gilding. Futen family – a famous family of metalwork artists. demons, behind them. with gilt eyes and gilt garland. Condition: Good condition $)!-%4%2 #- $)!-%4%2 #- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION $)!-%4%2 #-
Condition: The bowl with minor surface scratches and a small crack, Condition: The ivory bowl with a Estimate EUR 800,- Condition: The central part of the otherwise excellent condition crack, and missing the central section Starting price EUR 400,- kagamibuta bowl has fallen out, Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman at the back, otherwise good condition otherwise good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Estimate EUR 2.500,- Starting price EUR 1.250,- Estimate EUR 800,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 300,-
218 219 288 A RARE KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE WITH A TSUBA LID DEPICTING BAT AND REISHI Unsigned, kagamibuta netsuke with wood, iron, silver and gilt copper Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A rare kagamibuta NETSUKE hMIRROR LIDv NETSUKE THE LID EXECUTED in the shape of an iron tsuba of five-lobed stylized reishi shape and with a closed hitsu 4HE TSUBA SHOWS A BAT komori) in gilt copper, symbolizing luck, above several reishi LONGEVITY MUSHROOMS executed in gilt silver and copper, overall representing luck and a long life. The almost black, circular wood bowl has a striking texture. A very rare composition and an ideal netsuke for a swordsmith.
A lot of kagamibuta were made by former metalwork artists, who specialized in making sword fittings, as the demand for these decreased and they were looking for new ways to ply their trade. This piece is a brilliant example of an unknown metalwork artist going back to his roots.
$)!-%4%2 #- 290 291 292 A RARE IVORY AND SENTOKU AN IVORY AND SHAKUDO AN IVORY AND SHAKUDO Condition: Very good condition, minor rust to the lid KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE DEPICTING KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE WITH AN KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE DEPICTING Provenance: Austrian private collection DARUMA ACTOR IN A SHIBARAKU ROLE TWO KAPPA VENDORS Unsigned, kagamibuta netsuke with bronze, Unsigned, kagamibuta netsuke with Unsigned, kagamibuta netsuke with Estimate EUR 800,- silver and ivory shakudo, some gold and ivory shakudo, copper, some gold and silver and Starting price EUR 400,- Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD ivory Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD An unusual representation of Daruma This kagamibuta netsuke shows in high 289 who has a headache and wrapped a cloth relief the head of an actor playing as This kagamibuta netsuke shows two A FINE WOOD AND IRON KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE OF A around his bald head, almost looking like Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa in the kabuki kappa vendors in the rain on the bank MANDARIN DUCK turban. His face also has non-Japanese play Shibaraku. Kagemasa fought for the OF A SMALL STREAM "OTH ARE HAIRY AND Unsigned, kagamibuta netsuke with wood, iron, silver and gold features as Daruma was of Indian descent, Minamoto clan in the Gosannen war of wearing loincloths, their legs showing the Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD which is also indicated by his earrings. He is Japan’s Heian period and was famous for characteristic scales of these water demons. holding a silver die in the raised palm of one losing an eye during battle. He is depicted Two cucumbers – the kappa’s favorite This small kagamibuta netsuke with a bowl made from dark wood HAND $EEP RELIEF IN YELLOW sentoku bronze. here with a grim face with gilt protruding food – are seen on the edge of the stream. with a beautiful grain, the “mirror lid” made from iron, decorations eyes, one of them looking straight and the The larger kappa is holding a bowl with in shakudo and rich silver and gold, showing a mandarin duck on $)!-%4%2 #- OTHER CROSSING INDICATING HIS LOST EYE AND silver objects, the smaller one is wearing a a rock underneath a Fuji tree with hanging blossoms and a peony wearing a hair helmet. large hat and holding a silver sign with tiny blossom in front of the duck, a rare bird in netsuke art, originating Condition: The ivory bowl with a crack, characters. A variation of the oni nembutsu from China. otherwise good condition $)!-%4%2 #- motif, only with kappa selling wares. 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION $)!-%4%2 #- Condition: The manju ivory bowl with some $)!-%4%2 #- Estimate EUR 600,- discoloration and cracks and the inside area Condition: Excellent condition Starting price EUR 300,- of the bowl with some glue residue; the lid Condition: Good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION with greenish patina. Generally, in good 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION condition Estimate EUR 800,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Estimate EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 250,- Estimate EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 250,-
220 221 CONTEMPORARY NETSUKE
295 296 A NATURALISTIC LACQUERED IVORY NETSUKE OF A CICADA AN IVORY AND TORTOISE SHELL NETSUKE OF TWO BEETLES ON A TREE TRUNK BY SENPO (1919-1994) BY AKIHIDE "Y 3ENPO COLORED IVORY NETSUKE "Y !KIHIDE IVORY WITH TORTOISE SHELL INLAY Japan, 20th century Japan, 20th century
3ENPO +OBAYASHI WAS A NETSUKE ARTIST WHO SPECIALIZED Two beetles are confronting each other on top of a basket, their 293 294 in highly naturalistic models of insects. His works are featured in the retracted wings are inlaid with tortoise shell and the eyes inlaid with A CONTEMPORARY ANTLER NETSUKE OF A TWO- A MASTERFUL CONTEMPORARY COLORED WOOD NETSUKE OF A collection of Prince Takamado in the national museum of Tokyo and dark horn. The leafage on top of the basket is expressively carved in FACED SUN BY GUY SHAW (1951-2003) ROTTING LEAF AND SPIDER BY GUY SHAW (1951-2003) the artist is mentioned in Miriam Kinsey’s ‘Living masters of Netsuke’. unstained ivory, and another smaller beetle can be found peaking "Y 'UY 3HAW ANTLER NETSUKE "Y 'UY 3HAW COLORED WOOD NETSUKE This cicada is very well executed, with accurately carved anatomical out of an opening. The underside carved like a woven basket, with England, 20th century England, 20th century details. Its appearance is so real one can almost hear the cicada sing. himotoshi AND SIGNATURE IN A RECTANGULAR RESERVE !+)()$% The cicada is covered in an orange-brown coating of lacquer, and the A very well-crafted, pleasantly tactile and principally This charming work shows a curled-up leaf – an autumn scene - a masterfully tree trunk is covered in a slightly darker shade of lacquer, brilliantly This lot comes with the original inscribed wood box. manju-shaped netsuke showing two aspects of the sun, carved netsuke from the wood of the Australian gum tree. The netsuke imitating the act of camouflage by the cicada. The grain of the wood one bright and laughing, the other fierce and destructive. represents life and death, as the leaf has fallen to the ground, slowly drying and the branch attachments have been executed to perfection; one LENGTH 4.5 CM Guy Shaw, a friend until his passing, was fascinated with and disintegrating, however for the moment offering refuge to a little spider larger and one smaller himotoshi on the backside with the signature the phenomenon of duality – as is also shown in the who has crawled up into the central opening. The artist was able to create SENPO in a rectangular reserve. Also note the humorous difference in Condition: Minor hairline cracks through the leaves – otherwise in netsuke no. 294. He also often felt a longing for the sun, a naturalistic effect while also reflecting a part of himself, the curled-up leaf size between the cicada and the tree. very good condition “in my sun-starved country”. The horn is colored yellow. representing introspection. The weight of the leaf shows how well it has been Provenance: Collection of Sam Felton, purchased from Michael Initials “GS” on a small square gold plate. hollowed out. Very fine grain patterns. ‘Natural himotoshi’ through the stem LENGTH 5.4 CM Spindel in April 1990 where also the initials “GS” can be found. HEIGHT 6.2 CM Condition: Excellent condition Auction comparison: For another netsuke by the artist depicting LENGTH 6.5 CM Provenance: Austrian private collection BEETLES IN WOOD SEE #HRISTIES *APANESE !RT AND $ESIGN ,ONDON Condition: Excellent condition November 2005, lot 281. Provenance: German private collection, formerly acquired Condition: Excellent condition Auction comparison: For another model of a cicada by the artist see from Galerie Zacke, who acquired it from the artist himself Provenance: Acquired from the artist himself "ONHAMS &INE *APANESE !RT ,ONDON -AI LOT Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 600,- Estimate EUR 1.500,- Estimate EUR 2.500,- Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,- Starting price EUR 1.250,- Starting price EUR 750,-
222 223 All following mask netsuke, lot nos. 300 – 311, are published MASK NETSUKE in ‘Japanese Masks – Peter E. Müller’ by Max Rutherston (2017)
299 A VERY LARGE WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF OKAME BY HARA SHUMIN "Y 3HUMIN WOOD MASK NETSUKE Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A very large wood mask netsuke depicting the Shinto goddess 297 298 Okame. She is depicted laughing, with visible teeth and finely AN IVORY RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE OF A MULTITUDE OF A RARE DOUBLE WALNUT NETSUKE WITH A MULTITUDE OF incised lines for hair. An intricately carved work with a very NOH MASKS BY HAKUUNSAI MASKS BY TORYUSAI KOZAN good patina and grain of the wood. The reverse with a bridge "Y (AKUUNSAI SIGNED (AKUUN IVORY NETSUKE "Y +OZAN WALNUT SHELL NETSUKE SILVER INLAY which houses the himotoshi and the signature SHUMIN tsukuru Japan, c. mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Iwashiro, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD CARVED BY ! PUPIL OF 3HUGETSU
This netsuke shows a multitude of different Noh masks, one next An incredibly dense and clever composition carved from two HEIGHT 7.5 CM to the other around the entire work, all from Japanese theatre and WALNUTS kurumi AND ATTACHED TO EACH OTHER $EPICTED ARE AROUND folklore. Natural himotoshi through the openwork, signed on a fifty Noh masks in various attitudes, the natural pointed tops of Condition: Excellent condition flat bottle gourd HAKUUN, for Hakuunsai, a master of dense mask the kurumi are very cleverly utilized, since they show a tengu and 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION compositions. usufoki mask with large pointed beak and forward pressing lips, additional view respectively. The kurumi is lightly stained and of a very good color Estimate EUR 500,- 7)$4( #- and the himotoshi are ringed silver, and some of the eyes and Starting price EUR 250,- details are inlaid in silver as well. The signature KOZAN in a spatula- 300 Condition: The ink and red paint is slightly worn, very good shaped reserve on the side. Toriusai Kozan was, along with Hidari AN UNUSUAL AND LARGE WOOD DOUBLE MASK NETSUKE condition Issan, the most notable kurumi netsuke carver. OF OKAME AND HYOTTOKO Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Unsigned, wood mask netsuke HEIGHT 3.7 CM, LENGTH 4.8 CM Japan, early 20th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,- Condition: Very good condition A very large and unusual double mask netsuke depicting the jester Provenance: European private collection, ex Mang collection, ex Hyotokko on one side and the Shinto goddess Okame on the other. Helen Meredith Collection The himotoshi goes through both mouths and the large pupils are inlaid. Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,- HEIGHT 5.1 CM, LENGTH 5.2 CM
Condition: Good and complete condition, the wood bears a good patina 0ROVENANCE 0ETER % -àLLER *APANESE -ASK #OLLECTION NO
Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,-
224 225 301 304 A FINE WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF HOTEI BY HARA SHUGETSU A RARE AND FINE HIRADO PORCELAIN MASK NETSUKE "Y (ARA 3HUGETSU WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF EBISU Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Unsigned, hirado porcelain mask netsuke Japan, late 19th century The mask carved from boxwood with a very good patina and depicting the laughing lucky deity Hotei, the facial features delicately crafted. A beautiful and rare example of a hirado porcelain mask Signed on the bridge - which forms the himotoshi - HARA SHUGETSU in depicting the lucky deity Ebisu, the god of fishermen, with seal form. thick earlobes. He is recognized by his typical deep-blue glazed pointed eboshi HAT 4HE GLAZE HAS A PLEASANT AND OILY FEEL TO IT HEIGHT 4.4 CM Himotoshi on the reverse.
Condition: Very good condition, fine patina HEIGHT 4.1 CM 0ROVENANCE 0ETER % -àLLER *APANESE -ASK #OLLECTION NO Condition: Excellent condition Estimate EUR 600,- 0ROVENANCE 0ETER % -àLLER *APANESE -ASK #OLLECTION NO Starting price EUR 300,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,-
302 305 A WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF KITSUNE A PORCELAIN MASK NETSUKE OF AN ONI Unsigned, wood mask netsuke Unsigned, porcelain mask netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
The rather small mask netsuke in the form of a kitsune FOX WITH A This fierce mask of an oni is depicted in porcelain with charming expression, however the rows of the sharp and minutely carved an attractive blue glaze, with a malign grin and unusually teeth hint at the ferocity of the animal. protruding nose. The bridge on the reverse, which functions as the himotoshi, is unglazed. HEIGHT 3.7 CM HEIGHT 4.6 CM Condition: Very good condition; the lower jaw is separately carved 0ROVENANCE 0ETER % -àLLER *APANESE -ASK #OLLECTION NO Condition: Excellent condition, minor firing faults 0ROVENANCE 0ETER % -àLLER *APANESE -ASK #OLLECTION NO Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,-
303 306 A WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF SANKA-JO BY THE DEME FAMILY A JAPANESE KUTANI PORCELAIN MASK NETSUKE OF A "Y THE $EME FAMILY WOOD MASK NETSUKE MONKEY Japan, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Unsigned, painted Kutani porcelain netsuke Japan, late 19th/early 20th century The old man depicted smiling and the jaw attached with a string to the upper section, like the original Noh mask, from which this piece was The face of the monkey, saru, is depicted smiling and with COPIED 3IGNED $%-% FOR A MEMBER OF THE $EME FAMILY THE GREATEST GLARING EYES $ETAILS PAINTED IN BROWN AND RED 'OOD IRREGULAR dynasty of mask netsuke carvers. himotoshi on the reverse.
HEIGHT 4.8 CM HEIGHT 4.4 CM
Condition: A small restoration to the edge of the separate jaw - otherwise Condition: Good condition, minor wear to paint in good condition with a very appealing patina 0ROVENANCE 0ETER % -àLLER *APANESE -ASK #OLLECTION NO 0ROVENANCE 0ETER % -àLLER *APANESE -ASK #OLLECTION NO Estimate EUR 500,- Estimate EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 250,- Starting price EUR 250,-
226 227 307 A RARE STAG ANTLER MASK NETSUKE OF OKAME Unsigned, stag antler mask netsuke Japan, late 19th century
The Shinto goddess depicted with slightly absurd facial proportions and smiling. This rather large mask is carved from a thick section of stag antler, which is a rare material for mask netsuke. Two hollow sections below her chin have been cleverly plugged. Himotoshi on the reverse.
HEIGHT 4.7 CM
Condition: Good condition, natural flaws in the material, one larger age crack through one of the eyes 0ROVENANCE 0ETER % -àLLER *APANESE -ASK #OLLECTION NO
Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,-
308 311 A WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF OTO BY GYOKKO A FINE LACQUERED WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF OKAME "Y 'YOKKO WOOD MASK NETSUKE Unsigned, lacquered wood mask netsuke Japan, mid-19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, late 19th/ early 20th century
This very expressive mask depicts Oto, a mask used for female characters 310 The wood lacquered in beautiful gold lacquer, her hair lacquered in Kyogen, a form of traditional Japanese comic theatre. She is depicted A RARE AND LARGE WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF HANNYA in shimmering roiro-nuri, the hair executed with finely incised lines, with plump cheeks and smiling, reminding one of the Shinto goddess Unsigned, boxwood mask netsuke with gilt-lacquered eyes some strands of loose hair in the front in red and black lacquer. The Okame, who is often associated with eroticism. Signed GYOKKO on the Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD reverse with dense and attractive nashiji. bridge on the reverse which forms the himotoshi. An excellent and large depiction of the wrathful female demon HEIGHT 4.8 CM HEIGHT 3.8 CM Hannya made from stained boxwood with gilt-lacquered eyes. She has large and sharp horns, sharp fangs and her eyes hint at the Condition: Very good condition Condition: Good condition, very minor surface scratches deep melancholy and rage inflicted upon her by jealousy. 0ROVENANCE 0ETER % -àLLER *APANESE -ASK #OLLECTION NO 0ROVENANCE 0ETER % -àLLER *APANESE -ASK #OLLECTION NO HEIGHT 6.7 CM Estimate EUR 700,- Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 350,- Starting price EUR 300,- Condition: Very good condition 0ROVENANCE 0ETER % -àLLER *APANESE -ASK #OLLECTION NO
Estimate EUR 1.000,- 309 Starting price EUR 500,- A TSUISHU LACQUER MASK NETSUKE OF OKAME Unsigned, wood mask netsuke with tsuishu lacquer Japan, late 19th century
The mask netsuke depicting the Shinto goddess Okame and covered in red tsuishu LACQUER *APANESE VERSION OF #HINESE CINNABAR LACQUER THE reverse with a bridge and singular himotoshi on an attractive asanoha ground.
HEIGHT 4.3 CM
Condition: Good condition with minor wear to lacquer 0ROVENANCE 0ETER % -àLLER *APANESE -ASK #OLLECTION NO
Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,-
228 229 LACQUER NETSUKE
312 313 A PAIR OF LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE DEPICTING AN EMPEROR AND A RARE LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE OF A GULL A COURTESAN BY KIKUGAWA ATTRIBUTED TO KOMA KANSAI II "Y +IKUGAWA LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE WITH IVORY AND MOTHER OF PEARL INLAY Unsigned, attributed to Koma Kansai II, lacquered wood netsuke Japan, mid to late 19th century Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A pair of very fine lacquer works showing an emperor and a courtesan, each A very fine piece of elegant style and unusually perfect lacquer seated on a rectangular pedestal. The pedestal shows ornamental decorations technique. The overall silvery-dark grey bird has its partially gold- EXECUTED IN TAKAMAKI E 4HE GARMENT OF THE PAIR SHOWS CHRYSANTHEMUMS kiku), lacquered wings tucked in. The beak is very small, as are the black an imperial symbol. The faces are made from ivory, with long black hair flowing inlaid eyes, while the himotoshi on the other side are quite large. A to the pedestal. Outlined himotoshi as well as a signature KIKUGAWA on a small charming, subtly balanced work. Figural lacquerwork of this quality inlaid plate on the underside – not the famous metalwork artist, but probably an is quite rare and a very similar example signed Koma Kansai was in inro artist. THE !DRIENNE "ARBANSON COLLECTION SEE AUCTION COMPARISON
HEIGHT 3.6 CM LENGTH 3.8 CM
Condition: Very good condition Condition: Good condition, with minor wear to lacquer, particularly 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL around the beak + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBYS BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,- Auction comparison: A very similar netsuke signed Koma Kansai WAS SOLD "ONHAMS &INE .ETSUKE FROM THE !DRIENNE "ARBANSON Collection, London, 13 May 2013, lot 27
Estimate EUR 1.200,- Starting price EUR 600,-
230 231 314 316 317 A LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE OF A TOY DOG A LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE OF A PAIR OF CHESTNUTS A TSUISHU LACQUER TWO-PART MANJU WITH GRAPES BY Unsigned, stained and lacquered wood netsuke Unsigned, lacquered wood netsuke YOSEI Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD "Y 9OSEI tsuishu lacquer on wood Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD A rare depiction of a toy dog. The wood is attractively stained 4WO LARGE CHESTNUTS kuri) lying beside each other, covered in a creating a lustrous effect. Pregnant women and newborn children shimmering dark-red lacquer with streaks of black lacquer shining The large and circular manju consisting of two parts carved covered received dog figurines as amulets, possibly this was used as a child’s through. The underside simulating the characteristic stippled in tsuishu lacquer depicting bushy vines of grapes on an asanoha netsuke. This dog has a lacquered saddle with floral decorations surface of the kuri, is covered in silver lacquer with rich gold ground. The inside lacquered in black with the signature reading and a red-lacquered collar as well as four straight stump legs. The sprinkled on it. Chestnuts are a symbol of success and are popular 9/3%) :/ MADE THIS inside of the ears is lacquered in red and the eyes made of gold 315 .EW 9EARS GIFTS "UDDHISTS ALSO BELIEVE THAT THE SOULS OF THE lacquer with black pupils. The tail is turned inwards like a hook, the A NEGORO LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING deceased rest in chestnuts. The backside is entirely smooth with a The name Yosei corresponds to an important family of lacquerers himotoshi however are located on the belly. SARUMAWASHI chrysanthemum-shaped loop with a ring used as himotoshi. from the 14th-19th CENTURY AND *AHSS WRITES hTHEIR 9OSEI tsuishu far Unsigned, lacquered wood netsuke surpasses the Chinese work in richness and color, beauty, skill of HEIGHT 3 CM, LENGTH 3.6 CM Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD 7)$4( #- carving and variation of design”.
Condition: Very good condition Monkey tamers are called sarumawashi and present performances Condition: Very good condition, with minor wear to lacquer $)!-%4%2 #- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION with their animals on the street, living off of donations. This 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION netsuke shows the monkey tamer in a deep sleep, his dressed Condition: Minor wear to lacquer, with one tiny hairline on the rim Estimate EUR 500,- monkey on his shoulder trying to plunder his basket with treats. Estimate EUR 500,- of the inside and the himotoshi bridge on the inside with losses to Starting price EUR 250,- The sarumawashi is wearing a gilt-lacquered hat, and the garments Starting price EUR 250,- the black lacquer of both are executed in negoro lacquer. Large himotoshi on Provenance: Austrian private collection, formerly acquired at Galerie the underside. A beautiful composition of lacquered elements Zacke in the 1990s combined with the natural appeal of the wood. Estimate EUR 500,- HEIGHT 2.3, LENGTH 4.2 CM Starting price EUR 250,-
Condition: Very good condition, minor and expected wear to lacquer 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,-
232 233 OJIME INROS
318 A STRINGSTR OF FOUR IVORY OJIME Unsigned,Unsig ivory ojime Japan,Japan 19th CENTURY TO -EIJI PERIOD
AAllll ffourou of figural shape and finely carved depicting a man with box, a temple sservant,ervan a cockerel and a monkey with peach. Attached to a fabric cord.
(%)'(4 EACH APPROXIMATELY #-(%)'(
CondCondition: Very good condition ProveProvenance: Austrian private estate
EstimateEstim EUR 500,- SStartingtartin price EUR 250,-
319 TTWOWO DEERHORND OJIME WITH YAMABUSHI WARRIORS UnsUnsigned,ign deer horn ojime JapJapan,an, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A ppairair ofo fine ojime carved all around in relief with a yamabushi warrior scene. The left oneone carvedcar with a yamabushi warrior priest and a seated man and the other carved with two yamabushiyam warriors, one pursuing the other who is lifting a cloth under which he was hiding.hiding. The cord channel outlined with brass rings.
HEIGHTHEIGHT 1.9 CM each
Condition:Condit Excellent condition Provenance:Provena French private collection
EstimateEstima EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 250,-
234 235 320 322 A FINE SHIBAYAMA INLAID GOLD LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO WITH CAPARISONED A FOUR-CASE LACQUER INRO WITH COCKEREL, HEN AND ELEPHANT BY THE KAJIKAWA AND SHIBAYAMA FAMILY BAMBOO BY TOKOSAI MASASHIGE AND LACQUER MANJU "Y +AJIKAWA LACQUER AND 3HIBAYAMA INLAY GOLD LACQUERED INRO WITH IVORY BRONZE TORTOISE SHELL BY TOSHUSAI mother of pearl and horn inlays; inlaid ivory ojime and ivory netsuke "Y 4OKOSAI -ASAHIGE LACQUERED WOOD INRO AND manju netsuke Japan, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD Japan, early 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A superbly inlaid gold lacquer inro depicting a caparisoned elephant on one side, and parading A four-case inro showing on one side a cockerel in front of a boys dressed in Korean garments on the other side. The inro shows a festival scene – A bamboo stalk, decorated in fine togidashi-e and hiramaki- e REENACTMENT OF A PROCESSION OF THE +OREAN EMBASSY THROUGH *APAN TO %DO NOW 4OKYO 4HE BOYS 321 on matt gold fudame, depicting a cockerel next to bamboo on are lacquered in red, gold and silver takamaki-e with finely inlaid ivory faces, holding various A FINE LACQUERED FOUR-CASE INRO WITH A MOUNTED one side and a hen with a small bird and more bamboo on the instruments and a banner, all set underneath pine trees and clouds. The elephant on the other ELEPHANT other. Gold nashiji on the interior of the cases. Signed TOKOSAI side, next to the pine tree, is inlaid in ivory and has a fierce expression. His saddle is inlaid with Unsigned, lacquered wood inro MASASHIGE and KAO on the underside, a well-known lacquer stained ivory, lacquer, bronze, horn, tortoise shell and mother of pearl. The inside with dense Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD ARTIST 6ERY SMALL CHARACTERS %)3(). AND POSSIBLY +!/ WHICH COULD nashiji. The underside with the signature KAJIKAWA with red pot seal, and further signature however also mean “fame and loyalty”, next to the cockerel. 3()"!9!-! ON AN INLAID MOTHER OF PEARL TABLET The four-case inro covered in beautiful shimmering roiro-nuri lacquer with a depiction of a silver and gold takamaki-e elephant With a two-part manju netsuke decorated in takamaki-e with With an ivory shibayama ojime inlaid with mother of pearl, horn and coral and a square ivory with rider, the design passing over to the reverse, which is further gold, depicting a hut under a pine tree in front of a stream, signed manju netsuke showing various patterns in shishiabori SUNKEN RELIEF lacquered in gold takamaki-e and togidashi-e with a section of a TOSHUSAI, another well-known lacquer artist. Spherical ojime bridge. The inside of the compartments covered in dense nashiji. made from aventurine glass. Inro HEIGHT 8.6 CM, manju netsuke HEIGHT 4.2 CM, ojime HEIGHT 1.5 CM HEIGHT 6.5 CM (%)'(4 ).2/ #- $)!-%4%2 MANJU NETSUKE 4.2 CM Condition: Minor wear to the edges of the inro, some wear to the fundame ground, one inlay to the saddle cloth has been lost – generally, in good condition Condition: Very good condition, one tiny nick by the bridge Condition: The inro with many surface scratches and some wear to 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION STORED IN A BANK VAULT FOR lacquer, the netsuke in very good condition years, collection no. 85 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION Estimate EUR 2.500,- Starting price EUR 1.250,- Estimate EUR 800,- Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 400,-
236 237 323 324 A FINE LACQUERED THREE-CASE SAYA INRO WITH MATCHING MANJU NETSUKE BY A FINE GOLD LACQUERED AND INLAID THREE-CASE INRO WITH PARROT AND UEMURA ENSHU (BORN 1955) CRANE "Y %NSHU LACQUERED WOOD INRO AND manju netsuke Unsigned, gold lacquer inro with inlays of mother of pearl, ivory, coral and horn; bronze Japan, 20th CENTURY 3HOWA OR (EISEI PERIOD ojime and iron and gilt-copper netsuke Japan, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD The outer sheath beautifully decorated with coarse brown lacquer, simulating tree-bark, and lacquered with sprigs of leaves with kirikane flakes and shell highlights. The slender three-case "OTH SIDES DECORATED WITH POLISHED GOLD fundame medallions, surrounded by an unusual inro on the inside, is decorated with a stunning design of three owls on top of each other, their but very fine cloud-pattern executed in gold and silver togidashi-e. One medallion shows staring eyes inlaid in gold with shell details. They are surrounded by kirikane flakes and the reverse a parrot, inlaid in red-stained ivory and seated on a horizontal rod decorated with various with an owl in flight amongst leaves, with vertically spread out wings, the featherwork masterfully inlays, looking down at the food basket, inlaid in horn, attached to the rod. The other side is EXECUTED "OTH SIDES MADE WITH hiramaki-e and togidashi-e and the underside with a chequered decorated with a red-crested crane, inlaid in mother of pearl and black horn, surrounded by design and signed ENSHU. The inside compartments with dense gold nashiji. blooming hozuki PHYSALIS AND VARIOUS OTHER mOWERS AND BUTTERmIES 7ITH A BRONZE OJIME OF Daruma and a rare iron and gilt-copper kabuto SAMURAI HELMET The manju netsuke consisting of two parts and depicting a squirrel, with a bushy tail and large glaring eyes, nibbling on orange and shell-inlaid fruits. The reverse with signature ENSHU. Inro HEIGHT 6.2 CM, ojime HEIGHT 1.9 CM, netsuke HEIGHT 2.5 CM
The composition of the inro and matching netsuke is designed to reflect the life in a tree – the Condition: The inro in very good condition, the ojime with minor discoloration and the owls are living inside the tree and the squirrel is in the crown of the tree nibbling on fruits. netsuke with some rust and smaller dents around the edges 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION (%)'(4 INRO #- $)!-%4%2 manju) 4.2 CM Estimate EUR 2.500,- Condition: Excellent condition Starting price EUR 1.250,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
Estimate EUR 2.500,- Starting price EUR 1.250,-
238 239 325 326 A VERY RARE SEVEN-CASE INRO WITH TWO A FINE TWO-CASE LACQUER INRO WITH SHISHI SHISHI BY GYOKUSAI TACHIBANA MASAMITSU BY CHINEI "Y 'YOKUSAI 4ACHIBANA -ASAMITSU WOOD INRO WITH "Y #HINEI INRO LACQUERED WOOD INRO AND MARINE IVORY lacquer and gold netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 18th and 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A rare seven-case gold lacquer inro by the rare and The black two-case inro in roironuri shows on both sides celebrated artist Gyokusai Tachibana Masamitsu. lively shishi in a tussle, with full curly manes and tails. "OTH SIDES SHOW A SNARLING shishi in takamaki-e, with The drawing is executed in the chinkinbori technique flaming manes and tails chasing each other; the eyes and accentuated with gold. Rich gold nashiji on the beautifully inlaid. Gold nashiji on the interior of all interior. Signature in gold on the underside, large and in CASES 3IGNATURE '9/+53!) 4!#()"!.! -!3!-)435 seal script CHINEI, who lived in Nagasaki from around and red kao on the underside. The lacquer artist is the mid-18th century. predominantly known as Gyokusai. Spherical ojime in colorful enamel cloisonné. The en The metal ojime has an elongated ovoid shape, is suite marine ivory netsuke shows a shishi bowing down signed and shows a peony blossom in takabori. with a large, expressive head and a raised flaming tail. The shishi stands on an elongated oval base with a INRO HEIGHT 9.5 CM, OJIME LENGTH 2.5 CM central cord hole; unsigned.
Condition: Fine condition with expected wear and HEIGHT INRO 6.6 CM, LENGTH NETSUKE 3 CM surface scratches Provenance: American private collection Condition: Very good condition – very minor wear to lacquer; the netsuke in good condition Auction comparison: For another by this rare artist Provenance: Austrian private estate, acquired at Galerie see Christie’s, Oriental Ceramics and Works of Art, Zacke in the 1990s London, 8 June 2000, lot 3. Estimate EUR 1.500,- Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 750,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
240 241 SAGEMONO & OKIMONO
329 A RARE SET CONSISTING OF A WOOD TONKOTSU, OJIME AND NETSUKE WITH MANY TORTOISES IN THE MANNER OF CHUICHI Unsigned, wood tonkotsu, ojime and netsuke Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
An elaborately worked set consisting of a tonkotsu TOBACCO CONTAINER NETSUKE AND OJIME n ALL CARVED by the same hand and decorated with many tortoises. The tonkotsu is carved with a ‘woven basket’ décor and shows five tortoises crawling upwards with two further ones on the lid. The ojime is in the form of a single tortoise and the netsuke shows a pile of tortoises – all in the manner OF #HUICHI 4ADAKAZU !LL EYES AS WELL AS THE TWO ringed himotoshi on the netsuke, are inlaid in black horn.
Tonkotsu HEIGHT 9 CM, ojime HEIGHT 2.2 CM, netsuke HEIGHT 5.2 CM
Condition: All in very good condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
Estimate EUR 2.000,- 328 Starting price EUR 1.000,- A FOUR-CASE GOLD LACQUER INRO WITH A CAT AND A RAT Unsigned, lacquered wood inro Japan, 19th century
327 A gold lacquered four-case inro A FINE FOUR-CASE LACQUER INRO WITH ARIWARA NO showing a cat on one side and NARIHIRA BY KAJIKAWA a rat on the other, executed in "Y +AJIKAWA LACQUERWORK AND 4EISHO INLAYS LACQUER ON WOOD INRO takamaki-e and kirikane. Cats with gold and inlays neko) are a rather rare motif Japan, 19th century in inro art. On one side, the cat depicted is a well-fed housecat A richly lacquered four-case inro inlaid with ivory and mother of seated in a dominant position pearl showing the poet and courtier Ariwara no Narihira, richly with its front paws raised with dressed in courtly garments and seated in a boat, surrounded by a toys attached to a string next landscape with mountains, a lake, pine trees and flying birds. The to it. The other side shows a lacquer technique used is takamaki-e with much gold as well as DANCING BLACK RAT nezumi), gold kirikane; the moon and its reflection on the water with silver, amongst various seashells, a large which has turned black with age. Gold nashiji on the interior of sea-cucumber and algae – all THE CASES 3IGNED +!*)+!7! A LARGE AND FAMOUS FAMILY OF INRO a symbol for water, a known specialists) in gold on the underside, with the name TEISHO inlaid grievance of cats. The inro shows on mother-of-pearl, who made the inlays for this inro. the saying ‘The rats dance when the cats are away’. Gold nashiji HEIGHT 8.7 CM on the interior of the cases.
Condition: Overall in good condition, with minor expected wear to HEIGHT 7.7 CM the lacquer, particularly around the edges Provenance: German private collection Condition: Signs of age and wear, especially around the edges Estimate EUR 1.200,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE Starting price EUR 600,- collection
Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,-
242 243 330 A FINE IVORY KISERUZUTSU DEPICTING THE THREE SAKE TESTERS BY JOEN "Y *OEN IVORY KISERUZUTSU Japan, late 19th century, -EIJI PERIOD
! RATHER LARGE PIPECASE KISERUZUTSU OF muso-zutsu form and depicting Shaka, Koshi and Roshi, also known as the three detail of no. 331 sake testers. The three are the Japanese versions of Shakyamuni, Laotse and Konfuzius, and the scene signifies the 331 different ways of attaining truth and A BLACK LACQUERED AND SILVER INLAID enlightenment. The entire depiction is KISERUZUTSU WITH SHOKI AND ONI carved continuously on both sides in Unsigned, black lacquered wood kiseruzutsu with shishiabori SUNKEN RELIEF WITH EXQUISITE silver inlay details. They seem to be having a dispute Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD and are shown in various attitudes, making hand gestures and pointing. The back with 4HE PIPECASE KISERUZUTSU OF muso-zutsu form signature JOEN and seal bi BEAUTY and depicting the demon queller Shoki inlaid in silver with drawn sword and searching expression, HEIGHT 23.9 CM under a finely incised pine tree. He is searching for an oni, which has escaped and is visible on the Condition: Excellent condition other side on the top part which is inserted. 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION HEIGHT 23.7 CM Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,- Condition: The loop used for cord attachment is missing, otherwise very good condition Provenance: European private collection
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-
332 A BLACK LACQUERED AND SILVER INLAID KISERUZUTSU WITH FUGEN BOSATSU Unsigned, black lacquered wood kiseruzutsu with silver inlay Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
4HE BLACK LACQUERED WOOD PIPECASE KISERUZUTSU is decorated with Fugen Bosatsu reading from a scroll and seated on an elephant, inlaid in silver with gilt details, below two incised butterflies. Cord attachment through the loop, inlaid in bronze, around the rim of the lower section. Fugen Bosatsu is derived from the bodhisattva Samantabhadra, who is associated with practice and meditation.
HEIGHT 20 CM
Condition: Good condition, minor wear and discoloration around the inlay Provenance: European private collection
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-
244 245 331 332 335 A FINE AND LARGE WOOD OKIMONO NETSUKE OF A BLIND STONE LIFTER BY RYUKEI "Y 2YUKEI WOOD OKIMONO NETSUKE Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A classic model by the artist, however this carving is PARTICULARLY RElNED AND DETAILED $EPICTED IS A STONE lifter, who was a street performer. He is trying to lift a gigantic stone with all his might, biting with his inlaid ivory teeth into his lips. The severe amount of strain is visible in his facial features, he is deeply concentrated and has many accentuated skin folds. The blindman has one normal eye ringed in ivory and the other also inlaid in ivory, however ‘dead’. The wood is of a very good colour with a smooth polish and the signature RYUKEI is found on the underside in an inlaid ivory 333 tablet. Often this motif is mistaken for a man with A RARE WOVEN BAMBOO YATATE LENGTH 20 CM a giant scrotum, however one of his testicles is even Unsigned, bamboo yatate visible on the underside. Himotoshi on the underside, Japan, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD Condition: Very good condition however probably purely ornamental. Provenance: European private collection The yatate PORTABLE WRITING SET MADE OF INTRICATELY WOVEN BAMBOO HEIGHT 6 CM The composition consists of a long shaft for the brush and a Estimate EUR 500,- carrying box for ink cotton. A rustic and rare collector’s piece. With Starting price EUR 250,- Condition: Excellent condition a little paintbrush inside. Provenance: French private collection, old museum number
Estimate EUR 1.200,- 334 Starting price EUR 600,- A WOOD OKIMONO OF A CARPENTER AT WORK BY GUMIN "Y 'UMIN WOOD OKIMONO Japan, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD
A small sculpture of a man kneeling on the ground, with a small Japanese-style drawer cabinet in front of him. One of his hands is placed on the cabinet while in the other he is holding a hammer, which he is using to work on the cabinet. He has a plane as well as a mallet and chisel lying next to him. An ashtray netsuke with tobacco pouch, showing the characters Hi no Yojin hBEWARE OF lREv IS attached to his belt. The head is very finely carved in a lifelike manner. Signed GUMIN on mother-of- pearl on one side of the cabinet.
HEIGHT 6.2 CM
Condition: The bridge between the lap and cabinet has been lost with visible marks, otherwise very good condition Provenance: French private collection
Estimate EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 300,-
246 247 338 AN UNUSUAL MECHANICAL IVORY OKIMONO OF RAIJIN WITH A MAN HIDING IN A TREE BY MEIRAKU "Y -EIRAKU IVORY OKIMONO Japan, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD 336 AN EXCELLENT IVORY OKIMONO OF SHOKI THE An unusual okimono depicting the thunder god Raijin seated on a DEMON QUELLER AND MANY ONI BY GYOKUSHIN tree trunk holding two shakers with his drum, with mitsudomo-e "Y 'YOKUSHIN IVORY OKIMONO symbol, in front of him. He is wearing a tiger-skin loincloth and is Japan, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD surrounded by a garland. Interestingly, when tilting the okimono, 337 a little man with a frightened expression is revealed, who is hiding A whimsical, strange scene – the famous hunter of all AN EXCELLENT IVORY OKIMONO OF A DRUNKEN ONI WITH from the thunder god. The structure of the tree trunk is achieved demons, from China to Japan, has captured a large number TANUKI very well and signature on the underside in a recessed reserve of small oni and is about to jam them into a large barrel. Unsigned, ivory okimono MEIRAKU. A well-detailed and clever carving. They are fighting with tooth and nail while Shoki is clearly Japan, late 19th CENTURY TO -EIJI PERIOD struggling to close the lid and although he is using all his HEIGHT 6 CM, LENGTH 8 CM strength and has one foot on the lid, he will surely not A drunken oni, depicted as a vendor, his face and horns very finely succeed. Two oni have already escaped and are attacking him carved, in a joyous dance pose. The demon is holding a piece of Condition: Very good condition at his boot. The bearded Shoki’s head is earnest and lively, an octopus tentacle up high in one hand and a sake bottle with Provenance: French private collection he is wearing an elaborately decorated Chinese garment and A CHARACTER MEANING hMORE OF THATv AMONG OTHER THINGS IN THE CARRYING A STRAIGHT SWORD ken) on his back. The oni are all OTHER (E IS CARRYING AN UMBRELLA ON HIS BACK "ESIDE THE oni is Estimate EUR 1.000,- very small and meticulously carved. Small collection label and a tanuki, a kind of demonic raccoon, which is sometimes also Starting price EUR 500,- signature GYOKUSHIN on the underside of the barrel. depicted selling sake. The garment folds and other details are carved in a very lively manner, and a two-character inscription inlaid HEIGHT 6.9 CM in red lacquer within a decorative reserve on the tanuki’s belly, presumably reading 嚖㮹 – loosely translating to ‘savage people’. Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION OLD COLLECTORS LABEL @' HEIGHT 14.4 CM 360’ and ‘480’, as well as a label identifying the signature Condition: Good condition, one hand has been reattached - but Estimate EUR 2.500,- barely visible Starting price EUR 1.250,- Provenance: Austrian private collection
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 750,-
248 249 339 AN EXCELLENT IVORY NETSUKE-OKIMONO OF A GROUP OF FOUR MONKEYS AFTER MITSUHIDE Unsigned, after Mitsuhide, ivory okimono-netsuke Japan, Kyoto, 19th CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A lively and violent scene with the largest, male monkey at the center and a slightly smaller, female monkey underneath, with a fierce expression, baring her teeth and pulling on his face, while he looks down on her voraciously. Two young monkeys are climbing on the father’s back, one holding a peach. Monkeys are also known as messengers to the gods, can dispel evil and are a sign in the Japanese zodiac. The carving is very much in the style of Mitsuhide from Kyoto, who was known for his carvings of very expressive fighting monkeys.
HEIGHT 5 CM, LENGTH 6.9 CM
Condition: The patina is rubbed in some areas – good and complete condition Provenance: Austrian private estate, acquired at Galerie Zacke in the 1990s
Estimate EUR 1.000,- 341 Starting price EUR 500,- AN AMUSING AND EXCELLENT IVORY OKIMONO OF A KAPPA WITH CUCUMBER BY MUNEHARU "Y -UNEHARU IVORY OKIMONO 340 Japan, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD AN IVORY OKIMONO OF A CAT AND RAT Unsigned, ivory okimono A very well detailed and amusing okimono Japan, late 19th CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD depicting a kappa pulling a huge cucumber, the favourite food of the kappa, with a rope. The An ivory okimono of a housecat, wearing a aquatic creature has its head tilted to the left bell-collar, holding down a rat and preparing to with squinting eyes, inlaid in dark horn, and is strike it. The rat is struggling and screeching with exclaiming as the large cucumber is probably opened mouth and visible teeth. Its tail curls up very heavy. The rope is carved very precisely and around to the cat’s side and it is pulling on its fur. ties around the cucumber several times. The The cat has a playful and confident expression cucumber is also carved realistically with the and its body is slightly contorted as it lifts one spiny surface stippled and the characteristic ‘dots’ paw up high, ready to attack. The paws are inlaid in horn. The kappa has long hair with a soft carved especially well and naturalistic. The eyes of spot in the center, which is where it keeps its vital the cat and rat are inlaid with reddish and black fluids. Amusingly, since kappa are ferocious but horn, respectively. polite creatures, the best way to defeat a kappa is by respectfully bowing, so that it shall return the HEIGHT 5.5 CM, LENGTH 9.5 CM favour thus spilling out its vital fluids. The ivory bearing a very good colour with a light stain and Condition: Very good condition, minor the signature MUNEHARU is found in a rounded discoloration in some areas of the ivory reserve under the cucumber. 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION HEIGHT 5 CM, LENGTH 9.5 CM Estimate EUR 800,- Starting price EUR 400,- Condition: Excellent condition 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
Estimate EUR 2.500,- Starting price EUR 1.250,-
250 251 SIGNATURE INDEX
Numbers indicate lot numbers. This index only indicates the signatures – various attributions are written in the corresponding text.
Akihide 㖶䥨 – 296 Masaka 㬋楁 – 261 Shuosai 䥨佩滳 – 49 No. 5 No. 12 No. 14 No. 19 No. 20 Anraku ⬱㦪 – 74 Masakazu 㬋ᶨ n )CHISHIDO ᶨૈ➪), 157 Sosai ⬿滳 – 65 Chikusai 䪡滳 – 31 Masamitsu 㬋 – 72, 221, 263, 284 Soshin 勱冋 – 201 Chinei 䍵㥖 – 326 Masamori 㬋⬰ – 5 Tadatomo ⾈⍳ – 92 Chosen 㗩ⶅ – 125 Masanao 㬋䚜 – 12, 69, 70, 103, 113 Tamekazu 䁢ᶨ – 105 $EME ↢䚖 - 303 Masashigeġ㬋努 n READING OF THE SEAL Tanaka ᷕ䓘 - 30 $ORAKU 忻㦪 – 83, 281 Masatami 㬋㮹 – 111, 112 Tanetoshi 傌⮧ – 120 Eirakusai 㯠㦪滳 - 54 Masatoshi 㬋⇑ – 21, 224 Teimin 屆䍱 -14 Enshu ℮䥳 – 323 Masatsugu 㬋㫉 – 238 Teisho ⭂㓧 – 327 Gumin ⭖㮹 – 334 Masayuki 㬋ᷳ – 202 Tokosai Masashige 㜙嗶滳 㬋努 - 322 No. 21 No. 27 No. 30 No. 31 No. 33 Guy Shaw – 293, 294 Meigyokusai 㖶䌱滳 – 137 Tokoku 㜙察 – 186 Gyokkei 䌱䎒 – 196 Meikeisai 㖶洷滳 – 280 Tomin 㜙ⱟ – 229 Gyokko – 185 䌱, 308 䌱⎶ Meikeisai Hojitsu 㖶洷滳 㱽⮎ – 27 Tomochika ⍳奒 – 39, 51, 55, 130, 206 Gyokumin 䌱㮹 – 104 Meiraku 㖶㦪 – 338 Tomohide ⍳䥨 – 178 Gyokusai 䌱滳 – 122 Minjo 㮹᷿ – 278 Tomokazu ⍳ᶨ – 109, 146, 267 Gyokusai Tachibana Masamitsu 䌱滳 㨀 㬋 Minko ⱟ㰇 – 84, 85 Tomomasa ⍳㬋 – 42, 127, 259 – 325 Minkoku 㮹察 – 138 Tomosada ⍳屆 – 132 Gyokushin 䌱䛇 – 336 Minzan 㮹Ⱉ – 20, 139 Tomotada ⍳⾈ – 78, 79, 80, 209, 267 Gyokuzan 䌱Ⱉ – 61, 145 Mitsuhide 䥨 - 94 Toshusai 㟫䥨滳 - 322 No. 36 No. 37 No. 38 No. 39 No. 40 Hakuryu 䘥漵 – 86 Mitsuhiro ⺋ – 107 Toyomasa 寲㖴 – 245 Hakuun 䘥暚 – 297 Munechika ⬿奒 – 244 Toyosai 悥春滳 – 66 Hakuunsai 䘥暚滳 – 53 Muneharu ⬿㱣 – 341 Yasuaki ᾅ㖶 – 60 Hidemasa 䥨㬋 – 47, 225 Nobufusa ᾉ – 160 Yasuhide 䥨 – 19 Hiromitsu ⻀ – 236 Okatomo ⱉ⍳ – 75, 121, 203, 208 Yasumasa ᾅ㬋 – 60, 62 Hogyoku 㱽䌱 – 243 Rakumin 㦪㮹 – 190 Yosei 㣲ㆸ – 317 Homin 㱽㮹 – 68 Ranichi 嗕ᶨ – 87 Yoshikazu 䓙ᶨ – 194 Homei – See Yasuaki Ranseki 嗕䞛 – 128 Zokoku 尉察 – 40 Hosei – See Yasumasa Ransen 嗕ⶅ – 207 No. 42 No. 44 No. 47 No. 49 No. 51 Isshosai ᶨ㝑滳 – 230 Rantei 嗕ṕ n WITH Joen ⤪⚺ – 330 title Hogen 嗕ṕ) Joryu ⤪漵 – 37 Ryoji ⅴ㫉 - 148 Jugyoku ⢥䌱 – 198 Ryomin 昝㮹 n SIGNED ONLY WITH Kagetoshi 㘗⇑ – 124, 204, 233 kao) Kaigyoku ㅸ䌱 – 189 Ryukei 漵䎒 – 264, 335 Kaigyokudo ㅸ䌱➪ – 129 Ryumin 䩳㮹 – 279 Kaigyokusai ㅸ䌱滳 – 100 Sadayoshi ⭂䓙 – 76 Kajikawa 㡞ⶅ – 320, 327 Sadayuki ݀昷 – 67 No. 53 No. 54 No. 55 No. 57 No. 58 Kazuaki ᶨ㖶 – 98 Sanka Ⱉ䥦 – 246 Kikugawa 卲ⶅ – 312 Sansui Ⱉ㯜 – 242 Kohosai ℔沛滳 – 57, 58, 59 Seigyoku 㶭䌱 – 106 Kojitsu ⬅⮎ – 119 Seikei 㬋ㄞ – 149 Kokei 嗶㶻 – 102 Senpo ẁ㬑 – 295 Koku 察 – 170 Shibayama 剅Ⱉ – 320 Koyusai 忲滳 – 282 Shigemasa 慵㬋 – 33 Kozan ⎌Ⱉ – 298 Shogetsu 㜦㚰 – 97 Kusan 劎Ⱉ – 64 Shozan 㜦Ⱉ – 270 Masachika 㓧奒 – 108 Shugetsu ⍇ġ凇㚰 – 301 No. 59 No. 60 No. 60A No. 61 No. 62 Masaharu 㬋㗍 – 150 Shumin 凇䍱 – 299 Masahiro 㬋⺋ – 44 Shunka 㗍㱛 – 260
252 253 No. 64 No. 65 No. 66 No. 67 No. 68 No. 106 No. 107 No. 108 No. 109 No. 110
No. 69 No. 70 No. 72 No. 74 No. 75 No. 111 No. 112 No. 113 No. 119 No. 120
No. 76 No. 78 No. 79 No. 80 No. 83 No. 121 No. 122 No. 123 No. 125 No. 127
No. 84 No. 85 No. 86 No. 87 No. 90 No. 128 No. 129 No. 130 No. 132 No. 134
No. 92 No. 93 No. 94 No. 97 No. 98 No. 136 No. 137 No. 138 No. 139 No. 145
No. 100 No. 102 No. 103 No. 104 No. 105 No. 146 No. 148 No. 149 No. 150 No. 157
254 255 No. 160 No. 170 No. 171 No. 178 No. 185 No. 244 No. 245 No. 246 No. 259 No. 260
No. 186 No. 189 No. 190 No. 193 No. 194 No. 261 No. 263 No. 264 No. 266 No. 267
No. 196 No. 198 No. 201 No. 202 No. 203 No. 270 No. 278 No. 279 No. 280 No. 281
No. 204 No. 206 No. 207 No. 208 No. 209 No. 282 No. 284 No. 293 No. 294 No. 295
No. 221 No. 223 No. 225 No. 229 No. 230 No. 296 No. 297 No. 298 No. 299 No. 301
No. 233 No. 236 No. 238 No. 242 No. 243 No. 303 No. 308 No. 312 No. 312A No. 317
256 257 TERMS OF AUCTION
§ 1) The auction shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the rules of procedure § 11) If a customer is not able to participate in an auction personally, the company shall accept of GALERIE ZACKE ©, SZA VERSTEIGERUNGS UND VERTRIEBS GMBH, MARIAHILFERSTRASSE purchase orders. These orders may be placed in writing, via email or fax. In the case of a purchase 112, 1070 WIEN (hereinafter referred to as the company) as well as in accordance with sections order placed by phone or orally, the company shall reserve the right to make the performance 244-246 of the GEWERBEORDNUNG [Industrial Code] of 1994. The auction shall be carried out dependent on a confirmation from the principal communicated in writing, via email or fax. on commission. The auctioneer shall be entitled to withdraw lots exceptionally, to conduct the Furthermore, the company shall not be liable for the performance of purchase orders. Purchase auction deviating from the order of the catalogue numbers and to offer lots jointly. In the event of orders with equal top bid limits will be considered in the order of their receipt. Bids which are only any dispute concerning a double bid or if the auctioneer has missed a bid, the auctioneer shall be one increment above the starting price shall be exhausted totally. Bids which do not correspond entitled to revoke acceptance of a bid and to continue auctioning the item. The figures stated in the to the increments determined by the company (see bidding increment) in tabular form will catalogue shall be the highest bid in Euro ( ) expected by the respective expert. As a rule, the bid be rounded up to the next higher increment. The table of these increments can be sent upon shall be increased by 10% of the last bid. (See table of the bidding increments). request. In the case of lots auctioned “without any limits”, bids below the estimated price shall be exhausted totally. The written bid (purchase order) must include the item stating the catalogue § 2) The acceptance of a bid shall be granted to the highest bidder unless a hidden reserve has number and the offered top bid limit which is quoted as the amount of the acceptance of the bid No. 320 No. 322 No. 322A No. 323 No. 323A been agreed upon with the consignor of the item in question. Such a hidden reserve (also called without buyer´s commission and without value added tax. limit or just reserve) shall be the minimum price under which the item will not be sold during the auction. This reserve will be disclosed upon request only and may exceed the estimate. The Ambiguities shall be carried by the bidder. A purchase order which has already been placed auctioneer will in this case bid on behalf of the seller against all other bidders until the reserve has may only be cancelled if the written withdrawal is received by the company at least 72 hours been reached. If a reserve is not reached during the auction, the auctioneer will knock down the prior to the beginning of the auction. item to the highest bidder at the final bid, but the sale will be conditional of the acceptance of this final bid by the seller. In this case the highest bidder shall be bound to his/her last bid for a term § 12) The company may refuse to process a purchase order without explanation until offering of 8 days starting with the day of the knockdown. If the winning bidder does not receive a written or make this dependent on payment of a deposit. In the event of an unsuccessful order, such cancellation notice within this term of 8 days, the knockdown becomes unconditional and the sale a deposit will be reimbursed by the company within 5 working days. Processing of purchase is final. Typically, only a minority of all items in an auction have a hidden reserve. orders is free of charge.
§ 3) All items shall be subject to differential taxation. A uniform surcharge of 22% plus the § 13) Every contributor shall in principle be entitled to withdraw the items offered for auction value added tax applicable to the surcharge to the amount of 20% shall be added to the until the start of the auction. Therefore, it is impossible to assume liability or to give warranty achieved highest bid (final and highest bid). Thus, the surcharge shall be 26.4% of the final for the actual offering. and highest bid in total. No. 325 No. 326 No. 327 No. 330 No. 334 § 14) Items paid must be collected within 30 days of payment. Items which have not been § 4) In the event of sales abroad, the value added tax will be repaid if the item is sold to a country collected may be delivered without further communication at a starting price from the recent which is not a member country of the European Union (third country), the legal requirements are auction reduced by 50% after 30 days from the respective auction date. Items which have not met, and the proof of exportation is provided. The value added tax shall not be shown separately been collected within 3 (three) working days after the auction or for which the company does on the invoice. not receive any proper shipping instructions stating the type of shipping and the address of dispatch (independent of a possibly placed purchase order) within 3 (three) working days after § 5) The auction buyer must pay the purchase price immediately upon acceptance of the bid (final the auction shall be stored at the owner´s risk. and highest bid plus 22% surcharge, plus the value added tax applicable to the surcharge to the amount of 20%). However, the company may grant the auction buyer a respite for the payment Furthermore, the company shell be entitled to store item which have been purchased at of the purchase price in whole or in part in individual cases. If a respite is refused, the acceptance auction and paid but not collected at the buyer´s risk and expense, including the costs for an of the bid may be revoked, and the item may be reoffered. In the event of revocation of the insurance, with a forwarding agency. It shall be understood that the provision concerning the acceptance of the bid, the company shall be entitled to accept the last bid from the underbidder. re-auctioning of unpaid and paid but not collected items must also apply to items not exhibited or stored on the premises of the company. The ownership shall be transferred the buyer at the § 6) In the event of respite in whole or in part, the company shall be entitled to charge default time of handing over the delivery note. interest (12% p.a.) as well as storage charges (2.4% pf the final and highest bid per month No. 335 No. 336 No. 338 No. 341 commenced) after 14 days upon acceptance of the bid. The item purchased at auction shall be § 15) In the case of mixed lots with a starting price of less than EUR 350.00, the company shall handed over exclusively upon full payment of the purchase price including all costs and charges not warrant for the completeness or correctness of the individual items within a mixed lot. accrued since the acceptance of the bid. § 16) A registration for a bid by telephone for one or several items shall automatically § 7) The buyer can take acquired items in possession, as far as possible, immediately or after the represent a bid at the starting prices for these items. If the company cannot reach the bidder end of the auction. Items which have been fully paid for shall be handed over in our show rooms in by telephone, it will bid on behalf of the bidder by phone up to the starting price when the GALERIE ZACKE, MAIAHILFERSTRASSE 112, 1070 VIENNA. If a deferred purchase price is not paid respective auction lot is called. within the set period, the company shall be entitled to auction the item again in order to recoup its § 17) Payments made to the company by mistake (through the payer´s fault) (e.g. due to SEALS claim from the defaulting auction buyer. In this case, the defaulting auction buyer shall be liable to miscalculation of the exchange rate by the payer) or payments made to the company for the the company for the total loss of commission incurred by the company due to the re-auctioning as same invoice several times shall be compensated in form of a credit note for goods for an well as for any default interest and storage charges. indefinite period of time. The repayment of such payments in cash shall be excluded. § 8) The company shall be entitled to a lien on all items of the buyer irrespective of whether § 18) In the case of individual auction lots, it may happen that they are delivered several times. the buyer bought them within the scope of an auction or in free sale or the company secured In such a case, the auctioneer may accept a second or third etc. bid from the underbidder(s) ownership of these items otherwise. This lien shall serve to secure all current and future, qualified, In this case, the text om the catalogue and not the illustration in the catalogue shall also be limited and unmatured claims to which the company is entitled and which result from all legal exclusively binding with regard to the warranty (relating to these auction lots). transactions concluded with the buyer. § 19) When making a bid, whether personally, in writing or by telephone, the bidder shall § 9) The items received for auction will be exhibited and may be viewed prior to the auction. In acknowledge these terms of auction, the AGB (General Terms and Conditions) as well as the doing so, the company shall give everyone the opportunity to check the nature and the condition rules of procedure and the schedule of fees (as amended) of the company. of the exhibited items to the extent deemed possible within the scope of the exhibition. Every bidder shall be deemed to act on its own behalf uncles it provides a written confirmation saying § 20) The place of performance of the contract brought about between the company on the that it acts as a representative of a well-known principal. The company may refuse bids; this shall one hand and the seller as well as the buyer on the other hand shall be the place of business of particularly apply if a bidder who is unknown to the company or with whom the company has no the company. The legal relationships and contracts existing between the company, the sellers business connections yet does not provide security by the beginning of the auction at the latest. and the buyers shall be subject to the Austrian substantive law. The company, the sellers and However, in principle there shall be no claim to accept a bid. If a bid has been refused, the previous the buyers shall agree to settle all disputes resulting from, concerning and in connection with bid shall remain effective. this contract before the territorially competent court of Vienna.
§ 10) The company’s experts evaluate and describe the items received for auction and determine § 21) The export of art objects from Austria, when indicated, shall require a permit from No. 31 No. 213No No. 247 the starting prices uncles otherwise stated in the catalogue or expert opinion. The information the Bundesdenkmalamt [Federal Monuments Office]. In any event, the company shall orally concerning production technique or material, state of preservation, origin, design and age3 of an provide information about art objects for which an export permit will probably not be granted item is based on published or otherwise generally accessible (scientific) findings concluded by the at the beginning of the auction. company’s expert with the necessary care and accuracy. The company shall warrant to the buyer according to §22 of the AGB (General Terms and Conditions) that properties are correct provided § 22) The company reserves the right to assign to the customer all rights and obligations that any possible complaints referring to this are made within four weeks upon their taking into resulting from the contractual relationship between the company and the contributor by a possession. Subsequent complaints shall be excluded in principle. The company shall not be liable way of a respective declaration, as well to assign to the contributor all rights and obligations for any further information in the catalogue and expert opinion as well. This shall also apply to resulting from the contractual relationship between the company and the customer by way illustrations in the catalogue. The purpose of these illustrations is to guide the potential buyer of a respective declaration, in each case in terms of a complete assignment of contract with during the preview. They shall not be authoritative for the condition or the characteristics of the the result that the contractual relationship-following the submission of the aforementioned pictured item. The catalogue and the expert opinions shall only mention defects and damage declarations by the company – shall exclusively be between the contributor and the customer, affecting the artistic or commercial value significantly. Complaints concerning the price shall which is in accordance with the basic model of the commission agreement. Customers and be excluded upon acceptance of the bid. The company reserves the right to amend catalogue contributors shall already now give their explicit consent to this contract assignment. information prior to the auction. These amendments shall be made either by a written notice at the place of auction or orally by the auctioneer immediately prior to offering of the respective item. In this case, the company shall be liable for the amendment only. All items offered may be checked prior to the auction. These items are used. Any claims for damages exceeding the liability named above and resulting from other material defects or other defects of the item shall be excluded. When making the bid, the bidder confirms that it has seen the item prior to the auction and has made sure that the item corresponds to the description.
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Publisher Galerie Zacke founded 1968 © SZA Versteigerungen & Vertriebs GmbH 1070 Wien Mariahilferstraße 112, Stiege 1, 2. Stock Austria, Europe
4EL Email: offi[email protected]
Editors Lukas Zacke Marion Schor
Experts Lukas Zacke Wolfmar Zacken
Assistance Maximilian Zacke
Photography 'EORG "ODENSTEIN
Design Gregor Zinggl
Printing 'RÚBNER $RUCK /BERWART
Website www.zacke.at
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