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Lot 73
A 'King Cobra' mascot by Henri Rischmann, French circa 1920,signed and marked 'Made in France' to rear of coiled base, nickel-plated bronze mascot in the form of a coiled King Cobra with Art Deco design to hood, ready to strike, 12.5cm high, mounted on a bronze radiator cap above a turned wooden base. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: †† VAT at the prevailing rate on Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 57
TAMETAKA: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF KIYOHIMEBy Tametaka, signed Tametaka 為隆Japan, Nagoya, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Kiyohime is depicted in humanoid form, rather than as a serpentine monster, standing next to a Buddhist temple bell and holding a striker in her hand, her face with a triumphantly smug expression as she succeeded in her endeavors, casually leaning against the handle of the temple bell, which is finely engraved with bosses, key-fret, floral medallions, and surmounted by a double-dragon head handle. The expression is superbly carved and imbued with Tametaka's idiosyncratic humor, the details are boldly carved, and the reddish cherry wood bears a fine, typical patina. Himotoshi through the bell and signed in partially worn ukibori characters TAMETAKA at the rim of the bell.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, light surface scratches.Provenance: European collection.Tametaka is the earliest recorded netsuke artist from Nagoya and is listed in the Soken Kisho, the first publication on netsuke published in 1781. He is credited with the invention of the relief-carving technique (ukibori) associated with the Nagoya school. Kiyohime appears to be a favored subject, depicted in various stages of the story and each one carved in a different manner, yet still retaining the idiosyncratic style of this celebrated artist.In this story, Kyohime fell in love with a Buddhist monk named Anchin but was rejected. In despair she pursues the monk and transforms herself into a Hannya-like demon with a snake body and horned head. The pursued Anchin hides under a temple bell. When she discovers him there, she wraps her snake body around the bell and the glow of her passion melts the metal and burns the monk hiding in the bell.Literature comparison: Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of Kiyohime by Tametaka, also signed in ukibori characters, illustrated in Coullery, Marie-Therese and Newstead, Martin S. (1977) The Baur Collection, p. 168-169, no. C 402. Compare also to another closely related wood netsuke of Kiyohime, by Tametaka, dated 1773, illustrated in Neil Davey (1974) Netsuke, p. 188, no. 567. Museum comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of Kiyohime, depicted in a similar posture as the present netsuke, by Tadatoshi, late 18th century, Nagoya, at the Walters Art Museum, accession number 61.236. Auction comparison: Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of Kiyohime by Tametaka, 18th century, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art, Part IV, 6 November 2013, London, lot 70 (sold for 8,125 GBP).
Lot 267
A RARE WALRUS TUSK RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE OF A SNAKE AND SKULLUnsignedJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa district, late 19th centuryCarved in openwork with a coiled snake writhing around a skull, both nestled in an old straw hat amid bamboo leaves. The natural himotoshi cleverly incorporated through the worm-eaten hat.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear. xxProvenance: European collection.Memento mori (Latin for 'remember that you will die') is an artistic and symbolic reminder of the inevitability of death. Altogether sobering, and in some sense comforting, it's an epitaph for the masses – commoners and kings alike. Such art, which already appeared in ancient cultures, is also associated with festivals in remembrance and honor of the deceased, as held by many peoples throughout the world.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 196
A RARE LACQUERED WOOD 'INKCAKE AND BRUSH' YATATEUnsignedJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The yatate of ladle type, the fudezutsu (brush holder) with slightly curved handle, terminating in a sumitsubo (inkwell) with a hinged cover, the inkwell lined with a metal ring. The wood of a rich dark color, decorated with takamaki-e lacquer in gold, black and brown, depicting an ink cake and brush surrounded by imprints of chicken feet. The ink cake inscribed Kinshi.LENGTH 19 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, fine polish.Provenance: The Strong National Museum of Play, accession number 78.1483 (lacquered to the base of the inkwell). Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969) grew up in a prosperous family of collectors. Her interests ranged so widely that by 1960 she had amassed more than 27,000 collectible items and works of art. The vast majority of her collections related in some way to play and as her accumulation grew, Margaret planned a museum to house her collection. It eventually opened to the public in 1982, and grew dramatically over the following decades, expanding its collections, facilities, and resources, now spanning over 285,000 square feet. Today, the Strong National Museum of Play (known as just The Strong Museum or simply The Strong) is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the study of play.
Lot 44
MASANAO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED RATBy Masanao, signed Masanao 正直Japan, Ise-Yamada, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A finely carved wood netsuke of a rat (nezumi) tightly coiled into a ball. A genius design when considering the functionality as a netsuke, but also the uniqueness of the depiction. This model is believed to originate from the Masanao family of Ise-Yamada and was executed in different variations and sizes across members of the school/family. The details are meticulously rendered and the large beady eyes are inlaid in black wood. Natural himotoshi through one of the legs and signed within a polished reserve MASANAO.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear.Provenance: Formerly the property of the Strong Museum, donated by Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969), a prolific collector and founder and namesake of the museum.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a coiled rat by Masanao, sold at Zacke, Fine Japanese and Netsuke Art, 22 June 2019, Vienna, lot 232 (sold for 6,067 EUR). Another closely related wood netsuke of a coiled rat by Masanao was sold by Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art, 15 March 2017, New York, lot 6168 (sold for 4,375 USD).
Lot 66
OTOMAN: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF AN ONI WITH THE ARM OF THE RASHOMON DEMONBy Matsushita Otoman, unsignedJapan, Hakata, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as an oni balancing on one leg and carrying the large, severed arm of the demon of Rashomon, its mouth agape with a triumphant expression, dressed in a loin cloth tied at the waist, the body and arm finely engraved with hair. Generously excavated himotoshi through the back and under the arm. The lightly stained ivory bearing a fine patina.The netsuke is unsigned, however clearly by the hand of the master carver Matsushita Otoman. The typical expression with opened mouth, staining, and incised hair is an exact match to the signed examples by Otoman. The present netsuke appears to be the only example (signed and unsigned) where the oni is standing, rather than leaning against the severed arm.HEIGHT 7 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, few natural age cracks. Fine, unctuous, honey-yellow patina.Provenance: French private collection.The world of demons went into deep despair after Watanabe no Tsuna severed Rashomon's arm in the year 976. This event is parodied in netsuke art, as it really was only a 'drop in the ocean'.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of an oni with the severed arm of the Rashomon demon, attributed to Otoman, in Barry Davies, Netsuke Classics, no. 62 (fig. 1). Another closely related ivory netsuke, signed Otoman, was sold by the reputed London dealer Max Rutherston, former stock number MR2621 (fig. 2).Auction comparison:A closely related ivory netsuke of a lamenting oni with the severed arm of the Rashomon demon, unsigned however clearly by the hand of Otoman, was sold at Quinn's Auction Galleries, The Mang Collection of Japanese Art, 7 June 2012, Falls Church, lot 529 (sold for hammer price 12,000 USD) (fig. 3).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL306452/20).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 2
TOMOTADA: A RARE AND IMPORTANT IVORY NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN WITH HIS TOADBy Tomotada, signed Tomotada 友忠Japan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, p. 150, no. 604.Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 376, no. 1129.Hurtig, Bernhard (1975) What's New at the Auctions, INCS Journal Vol. 4, No. 2, p. 43, lot 140.Hurtig, Bernhard (1980) What's New at the Auctions, INCS Journal Vol. 8, No. 1, p. 11, lot 14.Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 912.Superbly and sensitively carved, more naturalistic and less angular than many of this carver's contemporaries in Kyoto, depicting a youthful Gama Sennin seated in a relaxed pose and holding his three-legged toad in one hand, the toad touching his rotund belly, the underside well carved and with one generously excavated himotoshi, the other himotoshi to the lower back next to the signature TOMOTADA within a rectangular reserve.The sennin wearing a loose-fitting robe with finely incised patterned hem and foliate designs as well as neatly rendered folds, and adorned with the characteristic leafy skirt and apron, his hair elegantly falling in strands over the back and shoulders, his face with a cheerful expression, the eyes inlaid with dark horn, the mouth agape, the toad with subtly stippled skin.LENGTH 4.3 cm, HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, expected minor age cracks. Fine, smooth, warm patina.Provenance: Ex-collection J. A. Fairley. Ex-collection Mark T. Hindson. Sotheby's, 25 November 1969, London, lot 756. Ex-collection Martin S. Newstead, acquired from the above. Sotheby's, 18 November 1974, London, lot 140 (sold for 2,900 GBP). Sotheby's, 29 May 1980, London, lot 14 (sold for 7,805 GBP). Van Ham, Asiatische Kunst, 7 December 2017, Cologne, lot 2246 (sold for 10,965 EUR).Mentioned in the Soken Kisho, Tomotada is perhaps the most renowned and certainly the most copied of all netsuke artists. His models were chiefly animal subjects and depictions of human or legendary figures are rare. The Soken Kisho notes that he carved oxen and that his work was copied in his own lifetime. In his card index, Meinertzhagen wrote of this piece, “An original example of this celebrated master's work. The signature is in harmony and is characteristic. The piece can be confidently accepted as genuine by this master.”Additional Note: It has been suggested that this netsuke should be attributed to Yamaguchi Okatomo, the star pupil of Tomotada. The present lot compares favorably to an ivory netsuke of a shaggy dog, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 2 November 2019, Vienna, lot 144 (sold for 15,168 EUR). Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0248).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 233
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI BALLUnsignedJapan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a shishi curled into a ball, clutching a brocade ball with all paws and snarling, its open mouth containing a further loose ball. The face and mane finely incised, its eyes inlaid in dark horn. Natural himotoshi through the mouth.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minuscule nibbling to exposed areas, a fine age crack to the left paw.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a shishi ball at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November, London, lot 8 (sold for 2,125 GBP).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0487). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 207
TAISAI: A FINE WOVEN RATTAN KISERUZUTSU WITH A LACQUERED DESIGN OF FALLING LEAVESBy Fukushima Taisai, signed Taisai 泰哉Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The pipecase of muso-zutsu type, with a woven rattan body, the thin bamboo strips arranged vertically and immaculately woven at the top and bottom. The design is lacquered in gold and silver takamaki-e with an autumnal scene of falling leaves, including a ginkgo and gourd leaf. Signed within an oval, black-lacquered reserve in gold characters TAISAI. With a gold rim and cord attachment, the end of the inset with a braided section carved from wood.LENGTH 21 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: British private collection.The artist is assumed to be a pupil of Ikeda Taishin (1825-1903) who was the leading pupil of Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891). Auction comparison:For a closely related kiseruzutsu by the artist, also depicting an autumn scene, see Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part II, 10 May 2011, London, lot 152 (sold for 3,360 GBP). For a closely related woven rattan and lacquered kiseruzutsu by Ikeda Taishin see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 17 May 2012, London, lot 113 (sold for 2,500 GBP). For a closely related kiseruzutsu with a simulated rattan body signed Zeshin see Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 29 November 2019, Vienna, lot 87 (sold for 3,792 EUR).
Lot 183
TOJU: A SUPERB FOUR-CASE LACQUER INRO WITH ENTERTAINERS AND A SAMURAIBy Kanshosai Toju(sai), signed Toju 桃壽 and kakihanJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: E. A. Wrangham, The Index of Inro Artists, 1995, p.292, Toju(sai), Kanshosai, bottom row, left (only the signature is illustrated).The four-case inro of lenticular profile bearing a lustrous roiro ground and lacquered in brilliant gold and iro-e togidashi-e with highlights of inlaid aogai depicting two female entertainers dressed in elaborate robes and holding a fan and large hyotan, approaching a samurai on the other side, viewed from the back and wearing a jingasa and katana, standing beneath a flowering cherry tree. The brilliant togidashi work is remarkable and the roiro ground is lightly sprinkled with gold flakes producing a vivid and elegant image. The interior cases of nashiji with gold fundame edges. Signed underneath in gold TOJU with red kakihan.SIZE 7.6 x 5.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with only very minor wear consistent with age and use. A small repair to the underside of the bottom case and some minor flaking to lacquer to the top of the top case. Some tiny chips to edges of cases. Presents very well.Provenance: Ex-collection Ted Wrangham, purchased from Douglas J. K Wright in 1969, Wrangham collection no. 779 (collection label in the upper case). Sold at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection Part IV, 6 November 2013, London, lot 219 (sold for 9,375 GBP). Edward A. 'Ted' Wrangham (1928-2009) formed one of the most important collections of Japanese Art in modern times. His reference book 'The Index of Inro Artists' (1995) is considered one of the most important English-language studies on Japanese lacquer ever published.This design is reproduced in Banbutsu hinagata gafu (An Album of Designs for Everything) illustrated by Kobayashi Eitaku (1843-1890) and published in 1880-1882.Active at the turn of the 18th-19th century, Toju is considered to be the most gifted of Iizuka Toyo's pupils and is believed to have become his successor. For further information on the artist see Earle, Joe [ed.] (1995) The Index of Inro Artists, p. 292.
Lot 94
JITSUGA: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF MOMOTARO WITH COMPANIONS INSIDE A PEACHBy Jitsuga, signed Jitsuga 雅真Japan, Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryDepicting a peach, carved from two parts hinged together and openable, the lustrous exterior superbly polished and with neatly carved leafage, the inside revealing a densely carved and remarkably intricate depiction. Momotaro, the 'peach boy', is preparing with his companions, the dog, pheasant and monkey, to conquer Onigashima (island of ogres). The other side of the peach is carved in relief with a cart holding a banner and supplies. Signature JITSUGA on the underside of the stem, where the natural openings for himotoshi are present.HEIGHT 3.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.According to Miriam Kinsey in her book on contemporary netsuke, Jitsuga was the third master of the school of Hakumin of Edo. His style is certainly inspired by the great Osaka master Kaigyokusai Masatsugu and similar examples are attributed to or signed by members of the school of Kaiygokusai.Auction comparison:For two similar netsuke signed Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, see Bonhams, the Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 28 (sold for 3,500 GBP), and Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2009, London, lot 170 (sold for 3,600 GBP). Another netsuke by Jitsuga (erroneously described as Sanemasa, which is another reading for Jitsuga) was sold by Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 24 November 2018, Vienna, lot 153 (sold for 3,942 EUR). Furthermore, Jitsuga also appears to have provided carving for a snuff bottle, see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2011, London, lot 268 (sold for 7,200 GBP).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0463). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 154
SEIHO: A FINE CONTEMPORARY WOOD NETSUKE OF JIKOKUTEN WITH ONIBy Katsuo Azuma (Seiho, 1936-2003), signed Seiho 声方Japan, Ibaraki prefecture, c. 1990Published: Michael Spindel Ltd., An Exhibition of Contemporary Netsuke and Ojime, 1991, New York, p. 25, no. 38.Finely carved and stained, the eyes inlaid in shell. The guardian deity is shown with fierce expression, standing on an oni with both feet and plunging his sword downwards to the ground. Good himotoshi through the back and signed Seiho within a rectangular reserve.HEIGHT 8.3 cmCondition: Excellent condition, some natural flaws to the wood.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary, purchased from Michael Strone.Seiho, born as Katsuo Azuma in 1936 in Ibaraki prefecture, studied carving under the famous Hose Maguro until he turned 22. Seiho is well known for his legendary and mythological figures, animals, and religious subjects. He was a member of the International Netsuke Carvers Association and has received several awards from the Ueno Royal Museum and the Japan Art Association.Jikokuten is one of the Four Heavenly Kings (Shitenno), Lord of the East, his literal translation being 'Guardian of the Nation' (持國天).
Lot 109
GYOKUSEKI: AN AMUSING WOOD AND SHIBUICHI KAGAMIBUTA WITH A KAPPA CARRYING A GIANT CUCUMBERBy Gyokuseki, signed Gyokuseki 玉石 and kakihanJapan, late 19th centuryThe shibuichi disc flush-fitted into the dark wood bowl, the disc worked in takazogan with a kappa carrying a giant cucumber strapped to his back, the dimples on the cucumber inlaid in silver and the eyes of the water goblin in gold. The kappa is visibly delighted with his catch, rather amusingly ignoring the weight of the cucumber which is threatening to flatten him. Signed to the side GYOKUSEKI and kakihan. Central himotoshi to the back of the bowl, the cord attachment to the back of the disc.DIAMETER 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor expected wear.Provenance: European collection.Literature comparison:A kagamibuta netsuke depicting the same subject, by Ozawa Shuraku, is illustrated in Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, no. 990.
Lot 178
KANSHOSAI TOYO: A FINE GOLD LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO WITH WILLOW TREE, THE DESIGN AFTER KANO KORENOBU YOSENBy Kanshosai Toyo, signed Kanshosai 観松斎 with kakihan and inscribed Yosen hogen hitsu 養川法眼筆Japan, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868)The four-case inro of rounded shape and finely lacquered in gold and silver takamaki-e against a black ground with an idyllic scene of a willow tree emerging from misty nashiji clouds, the sun beaming through in some areas. The interior compartments of nashiji with fundame rims. The underside signed KANSHOSAI with kakihan and further inscribed Yosen hogen hitsu – the design is copied from a painting of the Kano school painter Kano Korenobu Yosen (1753-1808), who earned the honorary title of hogen during his lifetime. The inscription is lacquered in the same way as the signatures on most Kano school paintings are, the character hitsu 筆 lacquered over the red square seal.HEIGHT 9 cm, LENGTH 6 cmCondition: Very good condition with only very minimal wear to lacquered details. Some tiny chips to the edges of the compartments.Provenance: From a US private collection, New York.The kakihan used on this inro best compares to the ones shown in the first row 'A' illustrated in Wrangham, (1995) The Index of Inro Artists, p. 312.Auction comparison:Compare to a related inro by Kanshosai Toyo, after a painting by Nankai, sold at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part I, 9 November 2010, London, lot 296 (sold for 4,560 GBP).
Lot 209
A RARE LACQUERED COCONUT WOOD TONKOTSU WITH CROWS AND FULL MOONUnsignedJapan, 19th centuryOf rounded rectangular form, the front very finely lacquered in takamaki-e with two crows descending against a silver full moon, the reverse with one crow in flight, the eyes in gilt, all against an elaborate sabiji-nuri (iron imitation) ground. With a blue glass ojime.HEIGHT 6.5 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, natural age cracks.Provenance: The Strong National Museum of Play, accession number 75.5341 (lacquered to base of the inner rim of the tonkotsu). Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969) grew up in a prosperous family of collectors. Her interests ranged so widely that by 1960 she had amassed more than 27,000 collectible items and works of art. The vast majority of her collections related in some way to play and as her accumulation grew, Margaret planned a museum to house her collection. It eventually opened to the public in 1982, and grew dramatically over the following decades, expanding its collections, facilities, and resources, now spanning over 285,000 square feet. Today, the Strong National Museum of Play (known as just The Strong Museum or simply The Strong) is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the study of play.
Lot 145
KOKOKU: A FINE INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF A RESTING ACTORBy Kokoku, signed Kokoku 光谷Japan, Tokyo, second half of 19th centurySeated, holding a shallow bowl before him, a finely carved marine ivory Buaku mask moved to the side of his head, revealing his joyful expression, his robe of two-toned woods and embellished with various inlays of stained ivory, tortoiseshell, copper, silver, and gold depicting viny gourds and swirling designs. The hands, feet, face, and bowl are carved from ivory. Two himotoshi underneath next to the signature KOKOKU with gold square seal Kokoku. The artist belonged to the Tokoku school and along with Egawa Sokoku excelled in the use of various different materials.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 10 November 2011, London, lot 63 (sold for 1,625 GBP). Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary, acquired from the above. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0485). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 96
MITSUHIRO: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A CLAM SHELL WITH INLAID AOIAttributed to Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875), signed Mitsuhiro 光廣 with seal Ohara大原Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved from a pale piece of ivory, beautifully and lightly stained, the top of the clam inlaid in malachite and dark buffalo horn, depicting a sprig of aoi (hollyhock), the leaves finely engraved. The himotoshi lined in horn, signed in neatly incised characters MITSUHIRO and with inked square seal Ohara. A simple, yet perfectly executed design.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition, few natural age cracks. Fine polish.Auction comparison:Compare a related ivory manju netsuke with inlays, signed Mitsuhiro with seal Ohara, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 November 2015, London, lot 66 (sold for 4,000 GBP).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL308337/20).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 83
MORIKAWA TOEN: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF RANRYO-O BUGAKU MASKBy Morikawa Toen (1820-1894), signed Ranryo-o Toen 杜園Japan, Nara, second half of 19th centuryThe bugaku mask carved in the ittobori (single cut) technique, portrayed in a typical manner with suspended jaw, prominent nose, large eyes, the long bushy beard curling around to the other side, and surmounted by an elaborate dragon headdress with fierce expression. Himotoshi through the central bar in the back and inscribed “Ranryo-o” 蘭陵王 and signed TOEN.HEIGHT 6 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor surface wear.Provenance: European collection P. Jacquesson.Morikawa Toen was known for his Nara ningyo (dolls) sculptures and as a noh actor. His work was admired by the Daimyo of Tosa, the magistrate of Nara, who awarded him with names from Japanese mythology. The Imperial household also became his patrons. He received many prizes throughout his career and was later commissioned by the newly founded Tokyo Imperial Museum to make copies of ancient works of art. One of the four most handsome men in Chinese history, Prince Ranryo (in Chinese, Lanling) wore a fearsome mask to hide his face when he led his troops into battle. The dance created by his followers in honor of their brave commander was later introduced to Japan and is thought to have become part of the classical bugaku repertoire by the second half of the eighth century.
Lot 10
CHIKUYOSAI TOMOCHIKA: A POWERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED DRAGONBy Chikuyosai Tomochika I, signed Tomochika 友親Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A remarkably strong and finely carved wood netsuke, brilliantly worked in sukashibori (openwork) as a dragon curled in tight loops and forming a compact composition with its horned head at the top, grasping a tama in its claw, the scales finely incised, the eyes inlaid in dark horn. The well-toned wood is beautifully worn, time has softened every edge, to the point one's fingers glide over its surfaces with delight. Signed underneath on an oval bridge reserve – TOMOCHIKA – the bridge also forming the natural himotoshi.LENGTH 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear. Warm, dark patina.Provenance: British private collection.Chikuyosai Tomochika, who moved to Edo and founded one of the most prolific studios, is said to have begun his carving life in Kyoto, possibly under the tutelage of Okatomo. His dragons in particular have a distinct Kyoto style.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a coiled dragon by Chikuyosai Tomochika, at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 104 (sold for 3,000 GBP).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.
Lot 256
TOMOYUKI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A NIO WITH SANDALBy Tomoyuki, signed Tomoyuki 友行Japan, Edo (Tokyo), 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well-carved as a Nio examining a sandal with a strained expression, the well-toned wood bearing a fine patina. The underside with large himotoshi, one ringed in horn, and the signature TOMOYUKI.HEIGHT 3.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Henri Vever (1854-1942), sold at Sotheby's, Japanese Netsuke from the Henri Vever Collection, 27 March 1974, London, lot 35. Henri Vever was one of the most preeminent European jewelers of the early 20th century. By the 1880s, Vever became one of the earliest Europeans to formally collect Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, purchasing extensively from dealers such as Hayashi Tadamasa. He was a founding member of Les Amis de l'Art Japonais, a group of Japanese art enthusiasts that met regularly to discuss Japanese prints and other works over dinner, with notable guests including Claude Monet. Vever's collection was offered in four parts by Sotheby's in 1974.Nio are athletic guardians, whose sculptures are seen by the entrance gates of Buddhist temples. It was thought that offering a sandal to their sculptures would heal the exhausted feet from the long pilgrimages to the temples.
Lot 21
A SUPERB KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TIGER WITH CUBUnsignedJapan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A remarkably powerful and superbly carved ivory netsuke of a tiger placing one paw protectively on its young cub which attempts to climb up on the adult's side somewhat half-heartedly. The adult tiger's thick tail curls around its body, terminating underneath the cub, while the cub's tail curls around the parent's left front paw, forming a compact and pleasingly tactile composition. What really sets this netsuke apart, however, is the gorgeous, lustrous honey-yellow patina, clearly being handled lovingly by several generations, the tiger's fur coat markings and hairwork heavily worn down, though still clearly visible in the crevices and at irregular intervals throughout the carving. The underside shows the superbly carved, chubby paws and the large, generously excavated himotoshi, tucked away underneath the adult tiger's belly.LENGTH 4.7 cm, HEIGHT 3.1 cmCondition: Very good, undamaged condition. The heavily worn ivory bearing a stunning patina.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, purchased in 1993.The netsuke is unsigned, however can be confidently attributed to the hand of Tomotada, but it is our opinion that this netsuke requires neither signature nor attribution and stands strongly very much by itself.The tiger (tora) is the third animal of the Asian zodiac and represents courage, resilience, and strength. It also plays an important role in Daoist philosophy providing a counterpoint to the dragon (tatsu). The tiger is not native to Japan; therefore, images of tigers were only known from Chinese paintings or on rare occasions when the tiger's fur was imported into Japan. This brings to mind a Japanese proverb - "When the tiger dies, he leaves his skin, the man his name".Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke by Tomotada sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 53 (sold for 37,920 EUR). Another closely related ivory netsuke by Tomotada was sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 19 March 2013, New York, lot 2140 (sold for 31,250 USD).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0452). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 175
KAJIKAWA: A GOLD LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO WITH SEVENTY HORSESBy a member of the Kajikawa family, signed Kajikawa 梶川 saku 作 and sealed Ei 榮Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The four-case inro lavishly lacquered in gold with densely sprinkled nashiji against a dark red ground, decorated in gold, silver, and iro-e takamaki-e and hiramaki-e depicting a herd of seventy (!) wild horses in various attitudes by a hilly riverside with patches of grasses, kirigane-inlaid rocks, and neatly lacquered meandering streams. The interior cases bear a quite unusual and beautiful design of stylized peonies and karakusa ('Chinese grasses') against the dark red ground, the rims are of gold fundame. Signed to the underside in gold KAJIKAWA saku [made by Kajikawa] and with the characteristic red 'tsubo' (pot) seal Ei.SIZE 7.7 x 5.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only very minor wear. The top of the top case with two small reddish areas of discoloration.Provenance: From a British private collection.Auction comparison:Inro depicting many horses are rare. For another example, see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 11 May 2021, London, lot 231 (sold for 4,080 GBP).
Lot 26
MASATAMI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAKE COILED AROUND A TORTOISEBy Masatami, signed Masatami 正民 to 刀Japan, Ise-Yamada, second half of 19th centuryFinely carved, the snake tightly coiled around the tortoise, the scales of the snake and carapace of the tortoise carved with intricate detail and a heightened sense of naturalism. The underside is equally well-carved, the cord channel runs through underneath the snake's thick body. The tortoise's eyes are inlaid in dark horn and the snake's eyes are inlaid in pale horn. The two reptiles were thought to have been from the same species due to their similar head shape. Therefore, rather than being engaged in a battle, these two creatures are depicted in a loving embrace. Signed underneath MASATAMI (Shomin) to [carved by Masatami].LENGTH 5.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only very minor surface wear.Provenance: From an old German private collection.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke sold at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 4 June 2021, Vienna, lot 218 (sold for 4,045 EUR). Another closely related wood netsuke was sold at Lempertz, Auction 1146, 7 December 2019, Cologne, lot 226 (sold for 4,464 EUR).
Lot 200
A RARE COPPER 'TAKOTSUBO' YATATE (PORTABLE WRITING SET)UnsignedJapan, 19th centuryThe yatate comprising a copper fudezutsu (brush holder) with brush, and a sumitsubo (inkwell) in the shape of a takotsubo (octopus trap) with hinged lid engraved in katakiri and kebori with an octopus, its visible eyes inlaid and swirling tentacles neatly detailed. The interior of the inkwell with two compartments.LENGTH 15.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, manufacturing flaws, the interior of the inkwell with malachite encrustations.Provenance: The Strong National Museum of Play, accession number 75.5401 (lacquered to the fudezutsu). Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969) grew up in a prosperous family of collectors. Her interests ranged so widely that by 1960 she had amassed more than 27,000 collectible items and works of art. The vast majority of her collections related in some way to play and as her accumulation grew, Margaret planned a museum to house her collection. It eventually opened to the public in 1982, and grew dramatically over the following decades, expanding its collections, facilities, and resources, now spanning over 285,000 square feet. Today, the Strong National Museum of Play (known as just The Strong Museum or simply The Strong) is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the study of play.
Lot 135
MINKO: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A CICADA ON PINECONEBy Konan Minko, signed Minko 眠虎Japan, Tsu, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Naturalistically carved as a cicada (semi) perched on top of a pinecone, the details finely carved and the insect's glaring eyes inlaid in pale horn. The well-toned wood bearing a fine, dark patina. Large himotoshi through the pinecone. Signed underneath the wings MINKO.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Good condition with minor associated surface wear. Some tiny nicks here and there, one wing of the cicada with a smoothed-down chip to the edge of the wing.Provenance: European collection.Cicada netsuke by Minko and his followers are to be considered extremely rare. Furthermore, the subject of a cicada on a pinecone is also unusual, Fuld's Netsuke and Ojime Index only lists one netsuke of this subject (see literature comparison).Literature comparison:For a related wood netsuke of a cicada on pinecone see Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, no. 126.Auction comparison:For a related wood netsuke of a cicada pupa on a gourd, by Minko, see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 14 May 2015, London, lot 41 (sold for 3,125 GBP).
Lot 18
GARAKU: A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF AN OX WITH OXHERDBy Risuke Garaku, signed Tomotada 友忠Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a recumbent ox with a young oxherd, the boy dressed in an elaborately decorated robe, holding the rope halter of the ox as he tries to clamber onto its back. The ox with curled horns, piebald fur, and inlaid eyes. Generously excavated himotoshi through the underside and signed Tomotada in an oban-shaped reserve.The work is stylistically quite clearly that of Risuke Garaku, the oban-shaped signature reserve being also characteristic of the artist. It is not uncommon that the works of Garaku and Tomotada are signed interchangeably, indicating that these artists must have worked together at some point in time.LENGTH 6.4 cmCondition: One foot, one horn, and a section of one ear are restored to near invisibility. Otherwise, fine condition with typical wear and age cracks. Presents beautifully.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke of an ox with oxherd by Garaku, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art, Part IV, 6 November 2013, London, lot 60 (sold for 4,375 GBP).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL308329/20).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 276
NICK LAMB: A STAINED BOXWOOD 'TIGER AND DRAGON' NETSUKEBy Nick Lamb (born 1948), signed with the artist's markUSA, late 20th centuryFinely carved and stained as a dragon emerging from a soft and fluffy cloud that wraps around the tiger's paws, the two-horned dragon with a puzzled expression and bulging eyes, below a tiger licking the cloud, its fur neatly incised and painted with stripes. Natural himotoshi and signed with the artist's mark on a gold, lozenge-shaped reserve. The eyes and horn of the dragon inlaid in mammoth tusk.HEIGHT 8.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.Nick Lamb is one of only a few non-Japanese netsuke carvers. Over the past three decades, he has built a reputation as being among the finest living practitioners of the art form and is known for his meticulous, graceful carvings, typically of animals. His work was exhibited in several museums, such as the British Museum and became part of many private collections, including that of the Imperial Family of Japan, the Robin Lehman Collection, the Robert O. Kinsey Collection, and the Tokyo National Museum.Literature comparison:Compare a related horn netsuke of a cat by Nick Lamb, in Contemporary Netsuke, Selected Ojime & Related Arts 1993, p. 18, no. 51. Compare a related boxwood netsuke of a tiger illustrated in the International Netsuke Society Journal (INSJ), 1999, vol. 19, no. 4, p. 30. Compare a related boxwood netsuke of a dragon illustrated in the International Netsuke Society Journal (INSJ), 1999, vol. 19, no. 4, p. 31.
Lot 12
A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A ROARING SHISHI WITH CUBUnsignedJapan, Osaka, ca. 1780-1800, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2006) More Things in Heaven and Earth, p. 66, no. 25 (as a comparative example).The shishi (Buddhist lion) sits upright on its haunches lifting both front paws, its mouth wide opened showing teeth and tongue, the ambiguous lion-like expression somewhere between a fearsome roar and self-mocking amusement. A minutely carved lion cub sits beneath, lifting one paw somewhat hesitantly, trying to copy its parent. The ribs are well rendered, and the vertebrae of the spine are neatly articulated. The beautifully carved bushy tail and curling mane are stained with sumi. One himotoshi to the base, the other between the base and bushy tail. The ivory bearing a superb patina.HEIGHT 3.5 cm, LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, with only very minor wear to stained details, one age crack to the body.Provenance: Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, ex-collection June Schuerch, acquired from the above.Literature comparison:Compare a related ivory netsuke of a shishi climbing a dead tree, with similar expression and features, also unsigned, illustrated in Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, p. 156, no. 642.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke, undoubtedly carved by the same hand, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 65 (sold for 22,140 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0522). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 284
GUY SHAW: BEETLE ON OPALBy Guy Shaw (1951-2003), signed with the artist's initial GSEngland, c. 1998Naturalistically carved as a beetle resting on a piece of opal. The reverse with asymmetrical himotoshi and signed with the artist's initial GS.LENGTH 6.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, little nibbling to edges, the stone with natural fissures.Provenance: British private collection.Auction comparison:Compare a related mammoth tusk netsuke of a beetle on a mushroom by Guy Shaw, second half 20th century, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 8 November 2018, London, lot 42 (sold for 7,500 EUR).
Lot 174
A HIGHLY UNUSUAL BLACK AND GOLD LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO OF A MONKEY FESTIVALUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The four-case inro of upright rectangular form and lenticular profile, bearing a lustrous roiro ground and lacquered in gold and iro-e takamaki-e with highlights of inlaid gold foil and mother-of-pearl. The depiction is most unusual – almost one hundred monkeys are shown posing as various legendary or religious figures and re-enacting festivals and various other scenes from daily life. These include performing the kocho-no-mai (butterfly dance), Nitta no Shiro slaying the gigantic boar, Omori Hikoshichi with the demon on his back, yamabushi monks carrying oi-bako, various samurai, a Shojo with a huge sake ladle, a shishimai dancer, a fox priest, Li no Hayata slaying the Nue, a procession of a Daimyo, and a Nio temple guardian. The top of the inro is further lacquered with monkeys posing as the lucky gods Hotei, Fukurokuju, Ebisu, Daikoku, and Jurojin. The bottom case shows an amusing scene of monkeys relaxing around and fighting inside a sumo wrestler ring. The inside compartments of nashiji with gold fundame edges. With an en suite signed silver cuboid ojime depicting theater scenes and a signed wood netsuke of a monkey riding a gigantic hyotan (double gourd).SIZE 7.9 x 5.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only very minor wear.Provenance: From a private collection in Chicago, Illinois.Museum comparison:Compare to an inro with a similar depiction in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met), New York, accession no. 81.1.314.
Lot 226
A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING CAT ON A LEAF FANUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The cat (neko) is considerably rare in netsuke art. Here it is depicted sleeping serenely, its head and front paws rested on a leaf fan (uchiwa), wearing a collar, the long tail curls around over its body. The hairwork is finely incised and appropriately worn. The underside with generously excavated himotoshi, formed by one smaller and one larger oval holeLENGTH 5 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, the handle of the fan repaired.Provenance: German private collection.The motif of a sleeping cat (nemuri neko) was first depicted in Japan in the 17th century by the sculptor Hidari Jingoro in Nikko in the architectural decoration of the corridor (kairo) that starts from the Yomei gate. Cats were imported from China in the Heian period (794-1185) and initially served the ladies at court for entertainment. Over the course of the centuries, they became domesticated. In popular belief the cat played only a minor role. However, there are some legends with cats that turn into people, or they are the subject of proverbs.Museum comparison:Compare a closely related boxwood netsuke of a sleeping cat on a fan, early 19th century, in the Linden-Museum, Stuttgart, inventory number OA 19064.
Lot 73
HARA SHUMIN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A HATCHING TENGU (TENGU NO TOMAGO)By Hara Shumin, signed Shumin 舟珉 and kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The karasu (crow-beaked) tengu emerging from a cracked eggshell, one clawed hand grasping the edge, the left wing spreading over the shell. The mythical man-bird has an amusingly crafted expression with furrowed brows, deep wrinkles on its forehead and ringed eyes. The creature wears a tokin-cap carved from ebony on its head. The underside shows another clawed hand emerging from an opening, as well as a maple leaf and further foliage, one pierced himotoshi and the other 'natural' in the shape of a ginkgo leaf – all evocative of the forest floor.LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear. The pierced himotoshi was likely previously ringed in green-stained bone.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.Auction comparison:Compare to a near-identical wood netsuke by Hara Shumin, sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 17 May 2018, London, lot 7 (sold for 6,250 GBP).
Lot 240
MASATOMO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A WOLF WITH HAUNCH OF VENISONBy Masatomo, signed Masatomo 正友Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as an emaciated, snarling wolf with neatly incised spine and fur, large, pricked ears, and eyes inlaid in bone with black pupils, the tail tucked underneath, guarding a haunch of venison under its front paw. Natural himotoshi, signed underneath MASATOMO within a rectangular reserve.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Good condition, a small crack along the neck and left ear, a plug to a natural knot in the wood inset to the right shoulder by the artist, minor wear.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary. Inventory number '718' pasted to the belly.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a wolf and venison by Masatomo, 19th century, at Bonhams Fine Japanese Works of Art Including selections from the collection of Ruth and Carl Barron, 16 Sep 2014, New York, lot 2092 (sold for 6,000 USD).
Lot 246
TOMOCHIKA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF AN EAGLE SNATCHING A FOXBy a member of the Tomochika school, signed Tomochika 友親Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A finely carved and stained ivory netsuke of an eagle firmly grasping a helpless fox in its talons. The reverent bird of prey has a fierce expression, its head is slightly tilted downwards, and its beak is opened. The feather-work of the eagle is executed with great precision. Natural himotoshi and the signature in a wavy reserve on the underside of the fox TOMOCHIKA.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 29.100.796 (together with an inro).Auction comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke by Tomochika at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part IV, 6 November 2013, London, lot 61 (sold for 1,625 GBP), and another by Shokyusai at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 228 (sold for 2,275 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0470). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 215
AN UNUSUAL WOOD NETSUKE OF A CHINESE SARUMAWASHI (MONKEY TRAINER)UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Expressively and boldly carved as a standing monkey trainer holding a bamboo cane on which a mischievous monkey is clambering, the sarumawashi with a joyful expression, grooming his long beard, and quite unusually dressed in Chinese robes. The well-toned wood bearing a fine, dark patina. Large, generously excavated himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 9.1 cmCondition: Good, worn condition. Few losses and old chips. Provenance: The Strong National Museum of Play, accession number 78.9810 (lacquered to back). Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969) grew up in a prosperous family of collectors. Her interests ranged so widely that by 1960 she had amassed more than 27,000 collectible items and works of art. The vast majority of her collections related in some way to play and as her accumulation grew, Margaret planned a museum to house her collection. It eventually opened to the public in 1982, and grew dramatically over the following decades, expanding its collections, facilities, and resources, now spanning over 285,000 square feet. Today, the Strong National Museum of Play (known as just The Strong Museum or simply The Strong) is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the study of play.
Lot 202
A RARE SENTOKU YATATE (PORTABLE WRITING SET) WITH PHOENIX AND FISH DESIGNUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The yatate comprising a fudezutsu (brush holder) with copper details in the form of a fish, the body worked with floral and karakusa motifs in high relief. The sumitsubo (inkwell) with a hinged lid depicting a stylized phoenix, the reverse with an inscription reading 'when you travel you need to carry this' (出旅必佩).LENGTH 16.7 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, manufacturing flaws, few small dents, the base of the fudezutsu lost.Provenance: The Strong National Museum of Play, accession number 78.15318 (lacquered to the side of the inkwell). Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969) grew up in a prosperous family of collectors. Her interests ranged so widely that by 1960 she had amassed more than 27,000 collectible items and works of art. The vast majority of her collections related in some way to play and as her accumulation grew, Margaret planned a museum to house her collection. It eventually opened to the public in 1982, and grew dramatically over the following decades, expanding its collections, facilities, and resources, now spanning over 285,000 square feet. Today, the Strong National Museum of Play (known as just The Strong Museum or simply The Strong) is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the study of play.Literature comparison:Compare a related brass yatate with relief decorations, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession number M.304-1928.
Lot 29
RYOSAI: A SUPERB WOOD OF A FROG ON A LOTUS PODBy Eguro Ryosai, signed Ryosai 良齋to 刀Japan, Takayama, Hida province, late 19th centuryFinely carved, the frog naturalistically modeled with beautifully textured skin and inlaid eyes, perched on a twisted lotus pod stalk, the base showing the typical markings and the end neatly stippled. Note the superbly carved webbed feet, typical for this school of carvers who excelled in naturalistic netsuke of frogs. Himotoshi through the stalk and signed RYOSAI to [carved by Ryosai].LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear, possibly an old chip to the very edge of one webbed foot.Provenance: European collection.Auction comparison:A closely related wood netsuke of a frog on lotus stalk, by Sukenao, was sold at Christie's, Art of Japan, 8 December 2016, London, lot 24 (sold for 8,750 GBP).
Lot 100
A RARE BUFFALO HORN NETSUKE OF A CICADAUnsignedJapan, 19th centuryResting with its wings drawn in and its legs grasping a branch carved in openwork, the veining on the wings and head finely rendered in relief. The horn of variegated tone. Natural himotoshi.LENGTH 5.9 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, minuscule nibbling to the exposed areas.Provenance: Ex-collection Richard R. Silverman. Richard R. Silverman (1932-2019) was a renowned Asian art collector with one of the largest private collections of netsuke outside of Japan. He lived in Tokyo between 1964 and 1979 and began to collect netsuke there in 1968. Since the 1970s, he wrote and lectured about netsuke and was an Asian art consultant for Christie's, Sotheby's, and Bonhams. His gift of 226 ceramic netsuke to the Toledo Museum of Art constitutes perhaps the largest public collection of these miniature clay sculptures in the world. After moving to California, Silverman became a member of the Far Eastern Art Council at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1984. In 1993, he joined LACMA's Executive Board. He served on the board of directors for the International Society of Appraisers from 1986 to 1994 and served nine years as chair for the City of West Hollywood Fine Arts Commission. Richard Silverman was posthumously awarded the Order of the Rising Sun for his decades-long promotion of Japanese culture.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related buffalo horn netsuke of a cicada, sold at Bonhams, The James A. Rose Collection of Netsuke and Sagemono, 17 September 2013, New York, lot 2030 (sold for 1,750 USD).
Lot 108
KAN: A RARE LACQUER AND POTTERY-INLAID MANJU NETSUKE OF DARUMA INSIDE A CAVEBy a follower of Ogawa Haritsu (Ritsuo, 1663-1747), sealed Kan 観Japan, late 18th-early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The black-lacquered manju netsuke hollowed out to the front and inlaid with a loose, red-glazed pottery Daruma, his facial features left unglazed, depicting the zen-patriarch during his 9-year meditation within a cave, his legs rotted away and now more resembling a daruma-doll. The reverse is superbly lacquered in iro-e takamaki-e with inlays of aogai depicting a hossu (Buddist fly whisk) next to the two himotoshi and the inlaid pottery seal KAN - a seal used by members of the school of Ogawa Haritsu (1663-1747). The pinkish seal used may suggest the work of Michizuki Hanzan (1743-1790).DIAMETER 4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear to the black-lacquered ground including some light crackling, the ceramic seal slightly worn as well.Provenance: Formerly the property of the Strong Museum, donated by Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969), a prolific collector and founder and namesake of the museum. With accession no. '80.3052' lacquered to the side.Auction comparison: Netsuke bearing the seal Kan are considerably rare, for another depicting Daruma see Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part I, 9 November 2010, London, lot 136 (sold for 8,160 GBP).
Lot 278
SEIHO: A BOXWOOD NETSUKE OF HANDAKA SONJABy Seiho Azuma (1936-2003), signed Seiho 声方Japan, Ibaraki prefecture, 20th centuryHandaka Sonja resting on a rock, bending forwards, the face with a strenuous expression, while conjugating a dragon which wraps around his body and rests its head on the rakan's lap. The robe and scale finely incised, the pendulous earlobes suspending golden loops. Natural himotoshi through the arm.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear to staining.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary, acquired from Michael Bernstein.Seiho, born as Katsuo Azuma in 1936 in the Ibaraki prefecture, studied carving under the famous Hose Maguro until he turned 22. Seiho is well known for his legendary and mythological figures, animals, and religious subjects. He is a member of the International Netsuke Carvers Association and has received several awards from the Ueno Royal Museum and the Japan Art Association.
Lot 272
A MIXED METAL NETSUKE OF AN ABUMI (STIRRUP)UnsignedJapan, 18th-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The abumi of classic shape and made of copper, attractively patinated, the top of sentoku bronze, and inlaid in shibuichi and gilt with various floral roundels. The interior lined in leather.LENGTH 4.9 cmCondition: Good condition with minor associated surface wear. One small repair to one of the inlays.Provenance: De-accession from The Strong National Museum of Play. Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969) grew up in a prosperous family of collectors. Her interests ranged so widely that by 1960 she had amassed more than 27,000 collectible items and works of art. The vast majority of her collections related in some way to play and as her accumulation grew, Margaret planned a museum to house her collection. It eventually opened to the public in 1982, and grew dramatically over the following decades, expanding its collections, facilities, and resources, now spanning over 285,000 square feet. Today, the Strong National Museum of Play (known as just The Strong Museum or simply The Strong) is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the study of play.Abumi (鐙), Japanese stirrups, were used in Japan as early as the 5th century and were a necessary component along with the Japanese saddle (kura) for the use of horses in warfare.
Lot 227
IKKO: A FINE BOXWOOD NETSUKE OF A GROUP OF RATS EATING EDAMAMEBy Ikko, signed Ikko 一光Japan, late 19th centuryComprising one large rat seated and eating while one offspring sits on its haunches on a smooth edamame bean pod, a second rat climbing over its back, their eyes inlaid, the fur and tail finely incised. Natural himotoshi through the trailing tail, signed underneath the bean pod IKKO.HEIGHT 3.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: German private collection.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke of three rats by Ikko, with inlaid eyes, late 19th century, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 17 May 2018, London, lot 17 (sold for 1,750 GBP). Compare a related ivory netsuke-okimono of a group of rats by Ikko, late 19th century, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16th April 2021, lot 222 (sold for 5,688 EUR).
Lot 97
A RARE KYOTO SCHOOL NARWHAL TUSK NETSUKE OF A WEASEL ON A ROCKUnsignedJapan, Kyoto, late 18th – early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved from a triangular section of the tusk, depicting a weasel (itachi) with neatly incised fur, holding a fruiting berry branch between its front paws, the large eyes inlaid in lustrous dark horn, and the bushy tail sweeping down the rock on which it sits. Two large himotoshi to the back. The underside shows the characteristic striations of this beautifully polished material.LENGTH 3.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear and natural, material-typical age cracks.Provenance: Old German private collection.The present piece belongs to a coveted group of netsuke carved from narwhal tusk and depicting animals in the Kyoto style. This workshop clearly excelled in the use of this rare and expensive material.Museum comparison:Compare to a closely related narwhal tusk netsuke from the same workshop, depicting a goat on a rock, in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), New York, accession no. 10.211.38. According to the online listing the netsuke is signed Rantei, however no signature is visible on the images provided.Literature comparison:Also compare to an ivory netsuke of a weasel (itachi), Osaka school, illustrated in Rutherston & Bandini, The Sheila M. Baker Collection of Japanese Netsuke and Inro, no. 38.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 210
TEIZAN: A SHIBAYAMA INLAID KIRI (PAULOWNIA) WOOD TONKOTSU DEPICTING EGRETS AND LOTUSBy Teizan, signed Teizan 貞山Japan, Tokyo, end of 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely inlaid with mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, horn, bone, and stag antler, depicting to one side an egret wading through a pond with aquatic plants and to the other an egret fluttering above lotus leaves. The kiri wood of attractive grain and color. The cover with two bone-ringed cord holes. One side with the signature TEIZAN within a rectangular mother-of-pearl reserve. With a tortoiseshell ojime.HEIGHT 8.4 cm, LENGTH 9.1 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, few natural age cracks.Provenance: German private collection.Auction comparison:Compare a related tonkotsu by the same artist, depicting a crane amid flowers, erroneously dated to the Edo period, at Christie's, Japanese Art and Design, 13 July 2006, London, lot 518 (part lot, sold for 2,160 GBP). Compare a related shibayama kiri wood tonkotsu by Teizan, late 19th century, at Galerie Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, Vienna, 16 April 2021, lot 355 (sold for 1,770 EUR).
Lot 157
AKIHIDE: A FINE CONTEMPORARY INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF A KAPPA TRAPPING A NAMAZUBy Akira Kawahara (Akihide, born 1934), signed Akihide 明秀Japan, Tokyo, c. 1980The kappa hunching over a straw basket, one eye and one whisker of a namazu visible through a tear near the bottom and the rest of the earthquake fish visible below. The details, such as the kappa's warty skin and long hair, are finely carved. The subject is a clever mitate on the Shoki and oni theme, where the oni traps Shoki underneath a basket, however here the kappa and namazu are depicted, who tend to play a similar cat and mouse game. The kappa's carapace is neatly inlaid with highly polished, stained tortoiseshell, and the eyes of both are double inlaid in amber with dark pupils. Natural himotoshi and signed AKIHIDE within a slightly raised, rectangular reserve underneath.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary. Purchased from Michael Bernstein, New York.Akihide (actual name Akira Kawahara) was born 1934 in Tokyo. He learned carving as a teenager from his uncle who was an okimono carver. He is versatile in any material and has received high acclaim for his inlay work using highly-polished tortoiseshell. Literature comparison:Two closely related wood netsuke of kappa by Akihide are illustrated in Kinsey Miriam, Carver's Workshops at the INCS Convention III, International Netsuke Collectors Society Journal (INCSJ), vol.7, no. 4, p. 49, nos. 14 & 17.Museum comparison:A closely related wood netsuke of a kappa with child by Akihide is in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, accession no. 2007.016.038.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 9
TOMOCHIKA: A SUPERB AND RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SPARROW DANCER (SUZUME ODORI)By Chikuyosai Tomochika I, signed Tomochika 友親Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The sparrow dancer raising his left foot dynamically, touching his ankle with his left hand, balled into a fist, the right hand touching his kasa hat. His expression is carved extremely well, and the folds of his robe match the movement of the composition perfectly. Appropriate himotoshi to the back, the larger hole generously excavated to accommodate the knot and signed in boldly incised characters TOMOCHIKA – the work is clearly that of Chikuyosai Tomochika I, founder of the Tomochika school of carvers. The wood bearing a fine, dark patina.HEIGHT 9.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, tiny chip to the back of the hat. Some minor expected surface wear, beautiful patina.Provenance: Formerly the property of the Strong Museum, donated by Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969), a prolific collector and founder and namesake of the museum. With accession no 'MWSM 74.506' lacquered to the side.Literature comparison:There appears to be only one other netsuke recorded of this subject by Tomochika I, formerly in the Seymour Trower collection, illustrated in Joly, H. L. (1966) Catalogue of the H. Seymour Trower Collection of Japanese Art, pl. IV., no. 74, and in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 886.
Lot 190
A FINE FOUR-CASE ROIRO LACQUER INRO WITH DRAGONFLY AND SPRING FLOWER BASKETUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The four-case inro bearing a lustrous roiro ground and finely lacquered in iro-e takamaki-e depicting a dragonfly approaching a basket filled with a sumptuous floral composition, the details further embellished with gold foil, mother-of-pearl, coral, carnelian agate, jade, malachite, and translucent horn. The image continues to the reverse where a butterfly is seen approaching the same basket. The interior cases are of nashiji with gold fundame edges. Unsigned but certainly in the style of Yamada Jokasai who excelled in integrating subtle, yet beautiful, inlays into his designs. With a finely carved fruit nut ojime.SIZE 7.2 x 5 cmCondition: Very good condition. Some tiny non-distracting losses to inlays and lacquered details. Some light surface scratches consistent with age and use. Minor wear to the exterior of the cord runners, microscopic chips along the edges of the cases, and one small nick to the underside. Presents very well.Provenance: Formerly the property of the Strong Museum, donated by Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969), a prolific collector and founder and namesake of the museum. The interior of the bottom case with accession no. '75.5334'.Museum comparison: Compare to a related inro by Jokasai in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met), New York, accession no. 29.100.875.Auction comparison:Compare to a related inro by Jokasai sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 13 May 2008, London, lot 294 (sold for 3,000 GBP).
Lot 158
A CONTEMPORARY WOOD NETSUKE OF A MYTHICAL BEASTUnsignedJapan, 20th centuryThe kirin-like creature standing with its arms touching its bent knees, the long neck curling and head nestled into the shoulders, the eyes inlaid in dark horn. A little bump on the forehead indicates a growing horn and the neatly carved mane rests against the creature's back. The long tail curls down the back, forming the natural himotoshi.HEIGHT 9.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.The design is illustrated in the Soken Kisho of 1781, the first publication on netsuke and their carvers, where it is described as a to-bori - literally an 'eastern carving', suggesting its exotic or foreign nature.Literature comparison:A closely related wood netsuke by Ouchi Sosui depicting the same subject is illustrated in Sagemonya (1998) So School Netsuke, no. 74. Another closely related wood netsuke, signed Masahide and dated to the 19th century, depicting the same subject is illustrated in Rutherston & Bandini, Japanese Netsuke, Inro and Works of Art.
Lot 197
A RARE SENTOKU AND IRON YATATE (PORTABLE WRITING SET) WITH COILED RATUnsignedJapan, 18th-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The yatate comprising a pen-shaped fudezutsu (brush holder) decorated with a hanabishi pattern, with brush and a circular sumitsubo (inkwell), the iron lid depicting a coiled rat, its tooth inlaid in gold, the base of the inkwell with the Azai mon.LENGTH 18.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, manufacturing flaws, the iron lid with cuprite encrustations.Provenance: The Strong National Museum of Play, accession number 78.1601 (lacquered to the base of the inkwell). Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969) grew up in a prosperous family of collectors. Her interests ranged so widely that by 1960 she had amassed more than 27,000 collectible items and works of art. The vast majority of her collections related in some way to play and as her accumulation grew, Margaret planned a museum to house her collection. It eventually opened to the public in 1982, and grew dramatically over the following decades, expanding its collections, facilities, and resources, now spanning over 285,000 square feet. Today, the Strong National Museum of Play (known as just The Strong Museum or simply The Strong) is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the study of play.The Azai was a line of daimyos (feudal lords) seated at Odani Castle in northeastern Ōmi Province. They originated in the early 1500s and claimed descent from the Hokke branch of the Fujiwara, a powerful clan in Japan from the Heian period to the Kamakura period.
Lot 16
A POWERFUL OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A CROUCHING TIGERUnsignedJapan, Osaka, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Zacke (1989), Netsuke von Meistern, no. 44.Boldly carved and deeply stained, with particular attention devoted to the fur coat of alternating stripes and circles against the neatly incised fur. The bulky creature does its very best to look fierce, its head turned back, the eyes inlaid, the animal about to snarl with sharp fangs showing at the corners of the mouth. The thick tail curls over the back and the massive, chubby paws are firmly pressed against the ground. Small himotoshi underneath, the cord channel generously excavated. A compact and pleasingly tactile ivory netsuke bearing a fine patina.LENGTH 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear and expected age cracks. Fine patina. Natural nerve channels are brilliantly incorporated into the design forming part of the tiger's fur coat.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, purchased from Galerie Gemini in 1990.The tiger (tora) is the third animal of the Asian zodiac and represents courage, resilience, and strength. It also plays an important role in Daoist philosophy providing a counterpoint to the dragon (tatsu). The tiger is not native to Japan; therefore, images of tigers were only known from Chinese paintings or on rare occasions when the tiger's fur was imported into Japan. This brings to mind a Japanese proverb - "When the tiger dies, he leaves his skin, the man his name".Auction comparison:For a closely related ivory netsuke see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 22 March 2022, New York, lot 3019 (sold for 4,636 USD). Another closely related ivory netsuke was sold at Lempertz, Asian Art, 27 June 2020, Cologne, lot 329 (sold for 4,000 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0454). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 116
OSHIN: A SUPERB STAG ANTLER 'LOTUS' SASHI NETSUKEBy Imai Oshin (1880-1951), unsignedJapan, Kyoto, c. 1900Naturalistically carved in the form of a segmented lotus root issuing a yet to unfurl leaf and seed pod, the leaf and segments masterfully incised. The cord attachment between the main segment and leaf.LENGTH 14.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few natural age cracks.Provenance: British collection.Imai Oshin (1880-1951) lived and worked in Kyoto and is considered one of the finest artists creating burlwood okimono, trays, and scepters for sencha tea ceremony. His work typically reveals a subject hidden in a natural form, the present netsuke resembling a stylized praying mantis. His netsuke are considerably rare and usually date to his early years, between the late 1890s-1910s.The lotus is a well-known symbol of purity in Buddhism, its leaf and flowers floating on the surface of water, while below its roots are submerged in the stagnant waters of earthly desire. Beauty is achieved by rising above attachment to material things.Literature comparison:Compare to a near-identical stag antler okimono, measuring 28.6 cm, by Imai Oshin, illustrated in Bandini, Rosemary (2016), Japanese Netsuke, Kiseruzutsu Lacquer and Works of Art, no. 26.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related stag antler scepter in the form of a lotus root, by Imai Oshin, sold at Bonhams, The Zuiun Collection, 15 March 2017, New York, lot 5035 (sold for 12,500 USD).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.
Lot 179
KOMA KORYU: A SUPERB AND VERY RARE LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO WITH LURKING SNAKE, SPARROW AND SNOWY BAMBOOBy Koma Koryu, signed Koma Koryu 古満巨柳Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The four-case inro of upright rectangular form and oval section, superbly lacquered in iro-e takamaki-e and hiramaki-e, with gold kirigane flakes, depicting a snowy landscape of tall, leafy bamboo stalks with clouds above and bamboo shoots below. A brown-lacquered sparrow (suzume) is seen descending through the dense bamboo forest on one side. The seemingly innocent, almost idyllic scene is betrayed by the swift flight of the bird; the reason for this is provided upon closer examination of the inro - when following the bamboo node cord runners on the side, a snake's body appears, slithering across the underside to the other side of the cord runners, terminating at the top of the inro, where the snake's head enters the frame above the flying sparrow, ready to strike. A truly ingenious composition, as the shape of the inro lends to the dramatic effect of the lurking snake. The top and bottom are attractively lacquered and inlaid in the Somada-style, providing a brilliant contrast to the snake's thick body. The interior cases of nashiji with gold fundame edges. Signed to the underside in gold KOMA KORYU saku [made by Koma Koryu]. With a matching shibuichi and gilt ojime in the form of a leafy bamboo node.SIZE 8.9 x 4.9 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only very minor wear consistent with age and use.Provenance: Formerly the property of the Strong Museum, donated by Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969), a prolific collector and founder and namesake of the museum. The interior of the bottom case with accession no. '75.5327'.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related four-case lacquer inro by the same artist (Koma Koryu) depicting a snake attacking a crane sold at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part V, 5 November 2014, London, lot 143 (sold for 37,500 GBP). Note particularly the similarities in subject matter, the various lacquer tones used for the snake and bird, and the glass-inlaid eyes.
Lot 150
IKKU: AN UNUSUAL CONTEMPORARY KOKUTAN WOOD NETSUKE OF A STYLIZED SPARROWBy Isamu Kasuya (Ikku, born 1949), signed Ikku 一空Japan, Tokyo, 20th centuryCarved from kokutan (ebony) wood embellished with various colored inlays and formed as a möbius-like band of waves taking the form of a stylized sparrow. Two small beaked birds with gilt metal eyes emerge from the structure facing into the central opening. The back with a beautifully stippled ground and the two himotoshi formed by one larger and one smaller hole. Signed on a polished rectangular reserve IKKU.HEIGHT 5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary, purchased from Michael Strone.Literature comparison: A closely related kokutan wood netsuke by Ikku depicting waves is illustrated in Spindel, Michael (1993) Contemporary Netsuke, no. 36.Auction comparison:A set consisting of a netsuke and ojime by the artist was sold at Bonhams, Asian Decorative Art, 28 September 2005, San Francisco, lot 4562 (sold for 7,637 USD).Ikku is widely regarded as one of the greatest contemporary netsuke carvers of the 20th century. His output is fairly limited, and he preferred to never repeat subjects. He studied under the master carver Yasafusa Saito.
Lot 161
BISHU: A LARGE BONE NETSUKE OF A WHALE WITH YOUNGBy Katsutoshi Saito (Bishu, born 1943), signed Garyu Bishu 臥竜美洲 with seal Bishu 美洲Japan, Tokyo, c. 1993Finely carved from bone, most likely whale bone, as a large bellowing whale nestling its young against its body with its right pectoral fin, the eyes of both inlaid in reddish horn. The cord attachment is formed by the elegantly curving tail of the adult. Signed underneath in a polished area Garyu BISHU.LENGTH 10 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary, purchased from Michael Strone.Bishu (actual name Katsutoshi Saito) was born 1934 in Tokyo. He studied sculpture at the Taiheyo Art Academy and learning carving from his father, Shosai Saito. In the “contemporary netsuke movement” that aimed to create new artistic work starting in the 1970s, Bishu was one of the central artists who exhibited new and novel contemporary netsuke. In 1981 his work was acquired by the British Museum.After recovering from eye surgery, Bishu changed his signature to read Bishu III and added the appellation “Garyu”, or “awakening dragon”.
Lot 27
SHUYA: A WOOD NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN ON A TOADBy Shuya, signed Shuya 秋冶Japan, Echigo province, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: International Netsuke Society Journal (INSJ), 2001, vol. 21, no. 3, p. 29. (illustrated in a full-page advert by Sydney L. Moss Ltd.)Depicting Gama Sennin sleeping blissfully on the back of a massive toad, looking upwards, dressed in the typical mugwort cape and girdle. The toad with its head raised in an expression of irritated dismay, its body amusingly flattened, the eyes inlaid and ringed in metal, its masterfully carved warty skin contrasting with the smooth underside, the feet tucked neatly under its body. Himotoshi underneath, signed in boldly carved characters SHUYA - a pupil of the great Yasusada Shuzan. It is likely that Yasusada Shuzan originated this model, but Shuya's strongly individual flavour has improved upon his teacher's example. LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear. Fine, smooth patina. Possibly some old, worn-down chips to the edges of the webbed feet.Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond and Frances Bushell. A French private collection. Purchased at Rosemary Bandini, 2012. Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt. Theodor “Teddy” Hahn (1933-2012) was a well-known and respected collector of netsuke and other Asian works of art. After spending time in museums to study the early cultures of the world, finding particular interest in their sculptures, he began collecting, remarking, “I somehow knew it would have a profound influence on my life. How right I was. And how happy I have been.”The Japanese legend of Gama Sennin (English 'Toad Immortal') is based on the legendary Chinese figure Liu Hai, who is generally shown accompanied by a toad. According to legend, he can assume the shape of a toad himself. Chinese prototypes of this theme sometimes represent the immortal sitting on or resting his foot on the animal and holding a string of gold coins.Frogs and toads are symbolic animals in Japanese culture. They are often portrayed in poetry and art and are sometimes carried by travelers to make sure they return home safely from their journeys. The word 'frog' in Japanese is synonymous with 'return,' which is why it is considered a lucky animal and which brings good fortune.Literature comparison:Compare a near identical netsuke of Gama Sennin on a toad by Yasusada Shuzan, circa 1820, illustrated in Rutherston and Bandini, The Sheila M. Baker collection of Japanese netsuke and inro, 2011, no. 5. Another closely related wood netsuke by Shuya, the face similarly carved, is illustrated in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. 2, p. 1013.
Lot 163
SEIHO: AN UNUSUAL AND FINE BOXWOOD OF AN EAGLE ATTACKING A PRIESTBy Katsuo Azuma (Seiho, 1936-2003), signed Seiho 声方Japan, Ibaraki prefecture, 20th centuryFinely carved as an eagle attacking a priest and tearing off his eboshi hat, the man crouching with his right hand protecting his head, the face with a terrified expression and mouth agape, dressed in a fine robe, and holding a staff below. The eagle with a menacing stare, his talons tightly grasping the man, the plumage neatly incised, its eyes inlaid. Natural himotoshi through the tail and wing, signed underneath SEIHO. HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary, acquired from Michael Bernstein, New York.Seiho, born as Katsuo Azuma in 1936 in Ibaraki prefecture, studied carving under the famous Hose Maguro until he turned 22. Seiho is well known for his legendary and mythological figures, animals, and religious subjects. He was a member of the International Netsuke Carvers Association and has received several awards from the Ueno Royal Museum and the Japan Art Association.
Lot 48
MASANAO: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF BENKEI INSIDE HORAGAIBy Masanao, signed Masanao 正直 Shinto ju 神都住Japan, Ise-Yamada, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The hero wearing the typical garment of a yamabushi warrior priest, with tokin cap, nestled inside a large conch shell and energetically blowing into a small conch horn (horagai), some details finely inlaid in dark wood. The conch shell naturalistically carved with elaborate details. The himotoshi are cleverly incorporated into the composition and are found through the tip and backside of the shell. Signed to the side MASANAO Shinto (no) ju [Masanao, a resident at the Capital of (Shinto) Gods].An early work by the Masanao family, the subject likely being unique. The inscription is interesting as well, with respect offered to the religious subject depicted and also identifying the workplace of Masanao, as the word Shinto 神都 (capital of the gods) references Ise, where the Grand Ise Shrine 伊勢神宮 is located.LENGTH 5.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, minuscule nibbling to exposed areas. Beautiful patina.Provenance: British private collection, purchased from Christie's, Japanese and Korean Art, 16 September 2003, New York, lot 241 (sold for 4,183 USD). The yamabushi were renegade mountain priests of the Shingon Tantric Buddhist sect, who used the conch to communicate their movements in the mountain wilderness.
Lot 231
TOMOTADA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX AND CALFSchool of Tomotada, signed Tomotada 友忠Japan, Kyoto, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A deeply stained, pleasingly worn rendition of the Tomotada ox and calf motif, depicting the ox reclining with its young nestled beside it, the calf gently licking the ox's side. The fur is finely incised and stained, the ox's pupils are of dark horn, carefully inlaid to give life to its expression. Deep-yellow patina, especially to the underside which houses the generously hollowed-out and asymmetrical himotoshi, as well as the signature TOMOTADA within a typical rectangular reserve.LENGTH 6.3 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, few natural age cracks. Fine honey-brown patina.Provenance: Old German private collection.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a recumbent ox and calf, Kyoto school, 18th-19th century, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 20 March 2012, New York, lot 2094 (sold for 2,750 USD).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0531). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
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