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Lot 547
Malayer RugWest Iran, circa 1920The deep indigo field of angular vines around a blood red anchor medallion framed by ivory spandrels and borders of meandering angular vines and triple guard stripes, 202cm by 140cmVery finely knotted. Both ends fraying and with minor losses into outer guard stripe. selvedges fraying and minor losses into outer guard stripe in some areas. Binding cords replaced in some areas. Pile is close-clipped and in fair condition.
Lot 556
Good Nain Rug Central Iran, circa 1950 The ivory field centred by a flowerhead medallion surrounded by scrolling vines and spandrels enclosed by meandering vine borders flanked by guard stripes, 256cm by 187cmWith silk highlightsEnds complete. Selvedges possibly replaced. Pile fair, slightly low in places.
Lot 2004
pear-shaped and on spreading foot, the hinged cover with spiral-fluted finial, overall later chased with foliage and flowers on a matted ground, one side with a vacant cartouche, with later ivory-insulated silver handle, the cover later engraved with an inscription26.4cm high, gross weight 27oz 8dwt, 853grProvenance: Probably presented to Ernald Lane (b.1836), later Dean of Rochester, to celebrate his marriage in 1879 to Evelyn, the daughter of J. W. Philips of Heybridge, Staffordshire.with John L Russell Antiques, Montreal, 22 April 1957.Condition report: Fully marked near handle. Further marked with lion passant inside cover. The marks near the handle with wear, particularly to the maker's mark which is only just visible. There is some overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. The decoration and silver handle were added in the 19th century. There are some cracks and marks to the ivory insulators. The inscription on the cover reads 'Ernaldo Lane Coll Omn: Anim Soc 1879'. There is the remains of a further inscription underneath.
Lot 2038A
of typical form, with tapering serrated blade, the ivory carved to resemble a saw handle, engraved with initials18cm longFully marked on blade and further engraved with retailers name. The marks are clear. There is some surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. There is some discolouration and scratching to the ivory handle. The gross weight including the ivory handle is 40.3gr, 1oz 6dwt.
Lot 2048
oval, with engraved border, the portrait miniature painted en grisaille with two ladies in a landscape and on either side of a memorial obelisk decorated with gilt-metal and pearls, signed with initials WW, the back engraved with an inscription, the suspension loop with an associated further portrait miniature of a lady beside an urn85mm highFootnote: The inscription reads 'In Memory of Phillip Jacob who Died Dec'r 19 1785 Aged 30 at Montreal in America'.Condition report: There are various areas where small pearls were attached, particularly in two rows located below of obelisk. Some pearls have become detached and are loose within the frame. There are also some twisted gilt-metal wire borders, some of which are loose as is a further gilt ornament which originally sat at the top of the obelisk. There is overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use as well as some dirt within the frame. The further portrait miniature is not original to the piece and has a large crack to the ivory.
Lot 2051
the porcelain body with ivory-coloured ground, circular and with gilt-painted decoration, one side painted with a bust of Queen Victoria, the other with emblems of the union, the silver cap engraved with foliage55mm high including capCondition report: Marked on silver cap. The marks are clear. The porcelain with gold painted mark and design registration mark. There is some minor surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. The wear is noticeable as a minor softening to the gilding.
Lot 2088
tapering lobed and on slightly spreading foot, the sides engraved with foliage and vacant cartouches, with ivory-insulated handles, the hinged cover with cast melon and foliage finial26cm wide over handle, gross weight 19oz 4dwt, 598grProvenance:Property from the Estate of Ian Stephenson, The Laithes, Penrith.Condition report: Fully marked underneath. Further part marked inside cover, on handle and on finial. There is some overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. The cartouches on each side are vacant and have perhaps been erased. There is a repair to one lobe. There is some cracking and discolouration to the ivory insulators.
Lot 2089
compressed circular and on collet foot, the sides chased with foliage and flowers and with a vacant cartouche on either side, the hinged cover similarly chased and with flower and foliage finial, with ivory-insulated leaf-capped handle28.5cm wide over handle, gross weight 22oz 18dwt, 712grProvenance:Property from the Estate of Ian Stephenson, The Laithes, Penrith.Condition report: Fully marked under base and part marked inside cover. The finial with maker's mark WM, circa 1860. There is some overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. The wear is noticeable as a softening to the high points. There is some discolouration and cracking to the ivory. There are some minor bruises. The cartouches have probably been erased.
Lot 2090
tapering oval and on shell and foliage-cast base, the sides fluted below a foliage scroll and shell-cast border, the hinged cover with ebonised finial, with ivory-insulated handle29.5cm wide over handle, gross weight 26oz 5dwt, 815grCondition report: Fully marked near handle. Further part marked on handle and inside cover. The marks are generally clear. There is some overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. There is some cracking and discolouration to the ivory insulators.
Lot 2092
the teapot and cream-jug each compressed circular and on stepped collet foot, engraved on one side with a coat-of-arms and on the other with a crest, the teapot with ivory-insulated handle and foliage-cast finial, the sugar-bowl bombé and on spreading foot, with leaf-capped handlethe teapot 25.5cm wide over handle, total gross weight 36oz 18dwt, 1,147grProvenance:Property from the Estate of Ian Stephenson, The Laithes, Penrith.Condition report: The teapot and cream-jug each marked underneath. The teapot further part marked on handle and inside cover. The sugar-bowl marked on side. The marks are generally clear. There is some overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. The handle on the teapot is possible replaced and has a strengthening band applied on both sides of the lower ivory insulator. The wear is noticeable as a softening to the engraving. The sugar-bowl is unengraved but there is signs of an old inscription having been erased.
Lot 2094
each piece baluster and on spreading foot, with foliage border, each piece engraved on one side with a crest and on the other with the Royal crown, comprising: a teapot, with ivory-insulated handle; a cream-jug and a sugar-bowlthe teapot 28cm wide over handle, total gross weight 46oz, 1,431grCondition report: Each piece fully marked underneath. The cover and handle of teapot apparently unmarked. There is some overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. The wear is noticeable as a softening to the engraving and high points. There has been a repair/patch to one side of the teapot. This has made the engraving illegible and left the surface in this area thin and uneven. There is some discolouration and cracking to the ivory insulators.
Lot 2155
each piece in the Art Deco style, faceted and engraved with angular decoration, comprising: a teapot; a hot-water jug, each with ivory handle and finial; a cream-jug and a sugar-bowlthe teapot 29cm wide over handle, total gross weight 56oz 3dwt, 1,746grCondition report: Each piece fully marked near handle. The teapot and hot-water jug each further marked with lion passant online inside. The marks are clear. There is some overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. There is some cracking and discolouration to the ivory handles.
Lot 2172
cylindrical and with an engine-turned finish within beaded borders, with a ribbon-tied beaded cartouche with an engraved initial, on three silver plate legs, each with ivory feet, the screw cover tapering to the opening, with metal grinding mechanism10cm highCondition report: Marked on side of body and cover with Minerva standard mark. There is no apparently maker's mark. There is some wear to the marks. There is some overall surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. The wear is noticeable as a softening to the high points. There is some cracking and staining to the ivory feet. The mechanism inside still turns but is heavily corroded and has not been tested to see if it still grinds properly. There is a bruise to the cover.
Lot 2173
each piece spiral-fluted pear-shaped, comprising: a coffee-pot with ivory-insulated handle; a cream-jug and a sugar-bowl and coverthe coffee-pot 25cm high, total gross weight 38oz 16dwt, 1,207grCondition report: The coffee-pot and cream-jug each marked underneath with crown and moon standard mark, maker's mark and stamped '835S'. The sugar-bowl stamped only '835S'. The marks are generally clear. There is some surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. There is a bruise to the base of the cream-jug. There is some discolouration and staining to the ivory insulators on the coffee-pot. The sugar-bowl with an associated clear glass liner which is ill-fitting.
Lot 2179
each piece of gourd or melon form, applied with chrysanthemums and foliage, with bamboo-cast handle, comprising: a teapot, the hinged cover with realistic melon or gourd stem-cast finial, the handle ivory-insulated; a cream-jug and a sugar-bowl, in fitted wood case with sliding cover; TOGETHER WITH: an associated pair of sugar-tongs, apparently unmarked, applied with prunus flowers and foliagethe teapot 24.3cm wide over handle, the case 35.6cm wide, total gross weight 29oz 8dwt, 914grFootnote: This service compares in form and decoration to another by Luen Wo which is illustrated by A. von Ferscht in his extensive work Chinese Export Silver 1785-1940 The Definitive Collectors Guide, 4th Edition, 2015, unpaginated. That service is described by von Ferscht as ‘…. Undoubtedly one of the finest late 19th-century Chinese silver sets I’ve ever seen’. He notes that the gourd was associated in Chinese culture with fertility and that such services were given as wedding gifts. The finial on this teapot presents a departure from those on many other Chinese examples, including the above-mentioned example, in that it is more realistically cast than other examples, which are usually more basically realised. The wood box also helps this service to stand out. Of a service by Lao Tian Bao which also includes a box von Ferscht notes ‘Often these cases were as much an art piece as the tea set they contained; this particular one should be perceived as a rare piece of folk art as this box tells us much about the aesthetic mindset of the period.’Tennants are grateful to Adrien von Ferscht for his assistance in identifying the marks.Condition report: The teapot, cream-jug and sugar-bowl each marked with maker's mark LW twice and with Chinese character artisan mark. There is some surface scratching and wear, consistent with age and use. The sugar-tongs are associated to the set and do not fit properly into the space in the box. There is some scratching and wear to the case. The lid is slightly ill-fitting.
Lot 781
A George III Oak and Mahogany Crossbanded Enclosed Dresser and Rack, late 18th century, the bold cornice above an arched apron with three shelves, the base of breakfront form with an arrangement of six drawers with ivory escutcheons above cupboard doors, on block feet with scrolled brackets, 168cm by 51cm by 197cmReasonable condition however, there are some variations in colour. The top has some fading and ring marks as photographed. The drawer fronts and cupboards also with some colour loss. Small sections of crossbanding around the dresser are missing. Lock removed from top drawer, but all drawers are open and run freely. Some strengthening work around the feet. The dresser is 169cm wide by 51cm deep by 197cm high.
Lot 16
WIKING 5-tlg Konvolut Tanklastzüge und Heizölwagen, 1958-72, bestehend aus Mercedes LS 1413 mit "Esso-Logo", weiße Kabine, elfenbeinfarbener Auflieger, GK 2003: 806/1; zwei Heizölwagen "Thermo Komfort": MB LP 1317, GK 807/3 (Aukleber linke Seite lose anbei) und "Thermoshell", VW-Kastenwagen T2, GK 809/1, beide von 1972-74 sowie "Alter Aral-Tankwagen Magirus 3500" mit himmelblauer Kabine und Chassis GK 781/11 C, 1959-62 und unverglaster "Esso-Tankwagen" MB L3500 mit seitl. Aufkleber "Esso Extra Motor Oil", GK 780/1 B, 1958-59.| WIKING 5 tank trucks and heating oil vans, 1958-72, consisting of Mercedes LS 1413 with "Esso-Logo", white cab, ivory-colored trailer, yc. 2003: 806/1; two "Thermo Comfort" heating oil vans: MB LP 1317, yc. 807/3 (label attached loosely on the left side) and "Thermoshell", VW box van T2, yc. 809/1, both from 1972-74 and "Alter Aral tank van Magirus 3500 " with sky blue cab and chassis yc. 781/11 C, 1959-62 and unglazed "Esso tank truck" MB L3500 with lateral Sticker "Esso Extra Motor Oil", GK 780/1 B, 1958-59.
Lot 84
MASAKA: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF AN ONI APPLYING MOXABy Kihodo Masaka, signed Masaka 正香Japan, Osaka, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Published: Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 1, p. 705. The oni applying burning pellets to his leg in the self-application of moxibustion, a particularly painful form of acupuncture-related homeopathic treatment – his marvelous expression indicates just how painful it can be. The moxa pellets are inlaid, as are his eye pupils, in dark horn. A bowl of charcoal sits at the demon's side, for heating the moxa. The underside well carved, the two pouches inscribed Hiuchi ('flint') and Mogusa (a paste when ignited supposedly relieves aching muscles), the signature MASAKA within an oval reserve. Note the fine manner of staining and precise incision work. HEIGHT 3.9 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.Kihodo Masaka is regarded as one of the greatest carvers of netsuke and okimono, particularly during the Meiji period. He was favored by the aristocracy and Japanese royalty, one of his works (a cake plate decorated with a bag of hundred rats) was even purchased by the Meiji emperor in 1889.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of an oni applying moxa by Masaka, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (1993) Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins, no. 92.Auction comparison:Compare a related ivory okimono of three oni fighting by Kihodo Masaka, 5.7 cm high, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 19 March 2013, New York, lot 2257 (sold for 13,750 USD). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 63
MITSUHARU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A SNARLING SHISHIBy Mitsuharu, signed Mitsuharu 光春Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved seated, its head turned back to the right in a typical attitude as it protects a large ball with all paws, the bulging eyes with dark-inlaid pupils, the curled mane and fur neatly incised, the mouth slightly agape revealing tongue and teeth, the back and underside with large and generously excavated himotoshi, the underside of the ball with the signature MITSUHARU within an oval reserve. The ivory bearing an unusual, attractive cream-colored patination.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, expected age cracks, few small nicks.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Literature comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a shishi with ball by Mitsuharu, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 532.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a shishi with ball by Mitsuharu at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 10 November 2011, London, lot 56 (sold for 8,750 GBP). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 27
A RARE MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A TANUKI IN MID-TRANSFORMATIONUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The mischievous tanuki in half-human, half-animal form, wearing a priest's robe while one half of his body is still covered with lotus leaves, holding one in front of his body in an unsuccessful attempt to obscure his gigantic scrotum, the face with a grotesque expression, one eye inlaid with dark horn, the back with two generously excavated himotoshi.HEIGHT 6.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear due to extensive handling over a long period of time, few minuscule nicks, and expected age cracks. Fine, smooth, honey-yellow patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.This netsuke shows the ability of the tanuki to transform into human shape. Here he is depicted in mid-transformation, combining human and animal elements. The tanuki (often mistakenly referred to as raccoon-dog or as a badger) has perhaps received the most attention in legend and in depictions in Japanese art. He is usually regarded as mischievous and is frequently associated with the fox, for both characters perform similar kinds of magical tricks, and both have the ability to transform themselves into human form to deceive or annoy people.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related but later unsigned netsuke of a tanuki priest, depicted in largely the same manner as the present lot, dated mid-19th century, in the Museum Kunstpalast, Duesseldorf, object number mkp.P 2005-232.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 this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 35
A WALRUS TUSK NETSUKE OF TURTLES AMONGST WAVESUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a turtle with its young clambering over its carapace, a multitude of crashing waves surrounding them. The walrus tusk with typical inclusions and bearing a fine, lustrous patina. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside, the larger hole generously excavated to accommodate the knot.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear, age cracks.Provenance: Austrian private collection.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 this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 54
RANICHI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO HORSES EMERGING FROM CHOKARO SENNIN'S GOURD By Ranichi, signed Ranichi 蘭一Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as two horses atop a double-gourd, one of the horse's long tail still partly inside the vessel, both animals with eyes inlaid in translucent horn, their manes neatly incised, the underside with large himotoshi and signature RANICHI.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear and few minor age cracks. Provenance: French private collection.The horse is the familiar of Chokaro Sennin, who is able to conjure the animal out of a gourd at will. The Japanese expression hyotan kara koma (lit. 'a horse in the gourd'), refers to a completely unexpected event that actually comes to pass, akin to the flight of pigs in the English-speaking world. This netsuke presents an even unlikelier occurrence, namely two horses emerging from the gourd. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued. 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 32
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY AND GIANT NAMAZU (EARTHQUAKE FISH)Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved as a reclining monkey with crossed legs leaning against a giant namazu – in this case not a common catfish but the legendary earthquake fish – and using his double-gourd (hyotan) as a pillow. The namazu and monkey both with subtle incision work heightened with sumi. The underside well carved with both animals' bodies and two asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, traces of use, a minor nick to the tailfin. Fine and smooth honey-yellow patina.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, acquired from Galerie Asboth, Vienna, on 27 May 1993.Legend has it that certain types of catfish (namazu) are responsible for the earthquakes that plague the islands of Japan. When aroused, these creatures would contort their bodies in such a way that gigantic tremors shook the area for miles and miles. The Shinto deity Kadori Myojin usually attempts to prevent such catastrophe with the help of his magic gourd, but this netsuke shows him as an ape having clearly given up on this valiant yet pointless endeavor.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related netsuke, illustrated in Eskenazi (1993) Japanese Netsuke from the Carre Collection, pp. 140-141, no. 171, and another in the collection of the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum, accession number 1986.30.52.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related netsuke, also dated 18th century, at Bonhams, Netsuke from a European Private Collection, 8 May 2016, London, lot 34 (sold for 1,875 GBP). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 344
SHOKASAI: A GOLD LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO DEPICTING THE ROKKASENBy Shokasai, signed Shokasai 松花齋Japan, 19th centuryOf lenticular form, the kinji ground lacquered in iro-e takamaki-e with the rokkasen (six great poets of the Heian period) with inlaid faces in Shibayama style and details of e-nashiji. The interior with nashiji and gold fundame edges. Signed to the underside SHOKASAI.HEIGHT 9 cm (the inro) and 1.8 cm (the netsuke)Condition: Good condition with minor wear, few minuscule nicks, occasional light scratches.Provenance: The Ankarcrona Collection of Japanese Works of Art. Sten Ankarcrona (1861–1936) began collecting upon his first visit to Japan in the late 1880s, at the beginning of the golden age of travel and collecting in Europe. The young aristocratic Swedish naval officer became fascinated by the breadth of artistic production in the region and continued to add to his collection back in Europe. In 1923, by then an admiral, he was appointed by the King of Sweden to travel back to Japan on a special mission, where he spent two months making many more purchases. His love of Asian art was later passed down to his children and grandchildren, who have enriched the family collection during their own visits to Japan throughout the second half of the 20th century.With a marine ivory ojime carved with an okame and oni mask.The Rokkasen ('six poetry immortals') are six Japanese poets of the mid-ninth century who were named by Ki no Tsurayuki in the kana and mana prefaces to the poetry anthology Kokin wakashū (c. 905–14) as notable poets of the generation before its compilers. The members of the Rokkasen are Otomo no Kuronushi, Ono no Komachi, Ariwara no Narihira, Kisen Hoshi, Sojo Henjo, and Fun'ya no Yasuhide.There are a considerable number of lacquer inro and some manju netsuke that bear this signature. The inro are often lenticular, such as the present lot, and many are decorated with Shibayama style inlay. See Earle, Joe [ed.] (1995) The Index of Inro Artists, p. 251.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 this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 69
A SUPERB OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TIGERUnsigned Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely and amusingly carved as a tiger facing backwards with a mischievous expression marked by its sideways glance achieved by the clever placement of the dark horn-inlaid eyes, the animal further detailed with thick brows, small ears, incised whiskers, and sharp teeth, the fur neatly incised and heightened with sumi, creating a striking contrast to the smooth stripes, the tail elegantly curved, the underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Overall good condition with minor wear, one leg restored. Fine honey-yellow patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a tiger by Garaku, dated to the early 19th century, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 58 (sold for 6,250 GBP). Another closely related ivory netsuke of a tiger, unsigned and with a restored front leg, was sold at Lempertz, Asian Art, 6 December 2019, Cologne, lot 205 (sold for 4,464 EUR). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 53
RANICHI: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A TIGRESS WITH CUBBy Ranichi, signed Ranichi 蘭一Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The mother protectively placing one paw on the back of her cub, looking backward and snarling, both with double-inlaid eyes in translucent and dark horn, the pupils placed far apart, the tails swinging dynamically along the adult tiger's back. Note the neatly incised fur, heightened with sumi save for the stripes, as well as the powerfully carved shoulder bones. The underside with the signature RANICHI within an oblong reserve.LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and natural imperfections to the material.Provenance: French private collection, acquired from Muizon, Paris, on 5 June 2003.Ranichi was a pupil of Hogen Rantei and evidently close to Unsho Hakuryu I, as the present netsuke shares many affinities with this master's work.Auction comparison: Compare a related, yet smaller ivory netsuke by Ranichi depicting the same subject at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 54 (sold for 6,573 EUR). Compare a related ivory netsuke by Hakuryu I depicting the same subject at Sotheby's, Japanese and Korean Works of Art, 14 July 2005, London, lot 1090 (sold for 11,040 GBP). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 273
A WALRUS IVORY SEAL NETSUKE OF A SHISHI WITH MOKUGYO, ATTRIBUTED TO RENSAIAttributed to Rensai, unsigned Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, late 19th centuryThe shishi seated on its rear haunches atop an oval base, its front paws resting on a mokugyo, the beast's curled mane and bushy tail finely incised and heightened with sumi, its spine neatly articulated, the floppy ears and fierce eyes well carved, the base with a central himotoshi, the seal face reading Mugaku 無學, which means “no learning”, a phrase often used by Zen priests or Japanese literati with interest in Chinese studies.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with some surface wear, natural imperfections to the material, traces of use.Provenance: Christie's, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 19 November 1986, London, lot 414 (sold for 770 GBP, approx. 2,498 GBP today after inflation). The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Literature comparison: Compare three closely related netsuke depicting shishi, two attributed to Rensai, the third signed Rensai, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, p. 16-19, nos. 331 and 332, and p. 22-23, no. 336.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 this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 36
A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A FISHERMAN STRUGGLING WITH A GIANT FUGUUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as a fisherman with a grim expression, desperately holding on to the gigantic fugu (pufferfish) with eyes double-inlaid with reddish and dark horn, bloating itself in response to the threat, its upper body finely stippled and heightened with sumi, its short fins neatly incised, the underside with generously excavated himotoshi. Beautiful deep honey patina.LENGTH 6.8 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear and expected age cracks. Small chip to the man's foot.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 57
A FINE KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF JUROJIN AND HIS DEER Unsigned Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved with the lucky god seated and hunched over the back of his deer looking up at the sky with the mouth agape revealing teeth and tongue, its spotted fur finely incised, the animal neatly detailed with almond-shaped eyes, funnel-shaped ears, and antlers. Jurojin's head is resting on one hand, while the other holds a scroll, and his expression is amusingly grim. The underside with two generously excavated asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 4.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and natural age cracks. Superb honey patina. Provenance: French private collection.Literature comparison: A related netsuke is illustrated in Schwarz, Karl M. (1992) Netsuke Subjects, p. 26-27, no. 10. Another related netsuke by Yoshitomo is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 996. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued. 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 65
A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI AND BALLUnsigned Japan, Osaka, ca. 1780-1800, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (1993) Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins, no. 13.Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2006) More Things in Heaven and Earth, p. 66, no. 25.The lean and indubitably male beast sits upright on its haunches with both front paws flailing around its head, one catching two locks of its finely incised mane in apparent irritation. The ribs are well rendered, and the vertebrae of the spine are neatly articulated. On the naturalistically carved base stands an openwork cage containing a loose ball. One himotoshi to the base, the other between the base and bushy tail.HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear, minor age cracks, few minuscule nicks. Fine, cream-colored patina.Provenance: Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins, 1993, no. 13. Stolen from Sydney L. Moss Ltd. at the time of the aforementioned exhibition and found 18 months later with a South London fence (a reseller of stolen goods). Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, More Things in Heaven and Earth, 2006, no. 25. A notable private collection, 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. Two closely related netsuke from the June Schuerch collection are illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2006) More Things in Heaven and Earth, p. 66, no. 25 (the catalog entry for the present lot). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 170
AN IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF ONNA DARUMAUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as Onna Daruma enveloped in the characteristic robe and cowl, her voluptuous breasts partly exposed, a hossu carved in relief to one side, the fine incision work very effectively and appealingly heightened with sumi, the circular cover can be unscrewed to reveal Onna Daruma pleasuring herself, the back with two himotoshi.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear, minor age cracks, natural imperfections to the material, traces of use, the interior of the base with a small chip. Fine, smooth, honey-yellow patina. Provenance: Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 17 May 2012, London, lot 66 (part-lot). Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt, acquired from the above.This subject is sometimes referred to as Onna Daruma (Daruma's wife) and was meant to poke fun at Bodhidharma who was reputed to frequent brothels. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 42
A SUPERB KYOTO SCHOOL EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT COW WITH CALFUnsignedJapan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A delicate, remarkably powerful, and superbly carved ebony wood netsuke depicting a recumbent cow baying her head with a sensitively crafted expression, her calf nestling up to her below and affectionately licking her chin. The hairwork is neatly incised, appropriately worn at the high points, and the ridged spine and ribs are subtly expressed. The rope halter which passes through the cow's nose ring, the curved horns, as well as all other details are achieved with exceptional detail. The underside shows the many well-carved hooves, as well as the generously excavated himotoshi, the larger hole oval and the smaller bean-shaped.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, only very minor wear.Provenance: European collection. This carving certainly holds up to the greatest of the ivory Tomotada oxen, although attributions to this master, who very infrequently carved in ebony wood, are difficult to make.Auction comparison:A related ivory netsuke of a cow and calf, signed Tomotada, was sold at Lempertz, Asian Art, 16 December 2020, Cologne, lot 866 (sold for 20,000 EUR).
Lot 16
A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH DOGUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2000) Myth, Reality and Magical Transformation, no. 4.Well-carved as an unnaturally happy Dutchman wearing an unusual and ornately decorated, cloud-pattern robe and flower-petaled hat, the coat opened in the front revealing a somewhat strange shirt and bib arrangement. The foreigner's head is twisted sidewards in a striking pose, his mouth is opened with cacophonous laughter as he points to a spot which has been soiled by a piglet-like, smooth dog which he holds in his other hand, nestled against his shoulder, studiously ignoring the scene of its recent crime. Large himotoshi to the back, the ivory bearing a superb patina.HEIGHT 8.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few expected age cracks.An unusually humorous, striking, and pleasingly individual netsuke, signifying both the fascination and distaste held by the Japanese of the Dutch, who were the only foreigners permitted in Japan during the Edo period, confined to the island of Deshima. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 79
MITSUHIRO: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF THREE GINKGO NUTSBy Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875), signed Mitsuhiro 光廣 with kakihanJapan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved from core ivory of superior quality, depicting three ginkgo nuts laid end to end, the central nut pegged to the other two, the central nut signed MITSUHIRO with a red-inked kakihan. The ivory bearing a superb, lustrous finish.LENGTH 5.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear to inking. Tiny imperfection to the edge of the central nut where it is pegged.Literature comparison: The depiction of three ginkgo nuts by Mitsuhiro is rare. Compare a related ivory netsuke of a ginkgo nut by Mitsuhiro, illustrated in Mitsuhiro / Mikoshiba, Misao (transl.) (2001) Takarabukuro: A Netsuke Artist Notebook, p. 94, formerly in the collection of Raymond and Frances Bushell and now in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number AC1998.249.305. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 81
MITSUHIRO: A FINE IVORY OJIME WITH A BIRD AND BAMBOOBy Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875), signed Mitsuhiro 光廣 with kakihanJapan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of slender, cylindrical form, finely engraved in katakiri and kebori with a small bird in flight above a bamboo spray, superbly heightened with sumi, the reverse with the signature MITSUHIRO with a kakihan. The masterful use of sumi-e (ink) is highly characteristic of this important artist.LENGTH 2.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and little loss of ink.Provenance: Ex-collection Elinor “Elly” Nordskog (1919-2013).Literature comparison: Compare two related ojimes similarly carved with bamboo by Mitsuhiro, one also with a bamboo, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 542. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 251
A SUPERB TALL STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A SAGE WITH CRANEUnsignedJapan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a Taoist sage stroking his long beard with a fierce expression, his free hand lowered to meet the beak of a crane which raises one foot and its head obediently. The sage is cloaked in a voluminous robe with long draping sleeves, decorated with a regularly spaced 'punctured pattern'. The surface bearing a gorgeous, lustrous patina turning caramel-brown in some areas. At first glance, it appears as if carved from ivory, except for the telling plugs at the bottom and top. Large, functional himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 8.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear, superb patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.This work can be attributed to one of the early Kyoto masters, who apparently never signed their stag antler pieces.Literature comparison:Compare to a stag antler netsuke of a Chinese man, attributed to one of the early Kyoto masters, in Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. I, p. 35, fig. 20.Auction comparison:Compare to a related ivory netsuke of a Chinese sage with crane, sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 13 May 2008, London, lot 365 (sold for 3,240 GBP).
Lot 34
A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A CAT EATING A FISHUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The mischievous feline clambering on an upturned mortar, a fish caught in its mouth with one paw placed on the scaly body, the cat wearing a collar, the fish with a pupil inlaid with dark horn, the underside well carved with bamboo leaves and two himotoshi.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, few small chips, traces of use, occasional light scratches. Fine and smooth honey-yellow patina.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, acquired from Galerie Zacke, Vienna, on 10 July 1992. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 218
CHIKUYOSAI TOMOCHIKA: A LARGE IVORY NETSUKE OF EGUCHI NO KIMI AS FUGEN BOSATSUBy Chikuyosai Tomochika, signed Chikuyosai Tomochika 竹陽齋友親 with kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The courtesan reading a long calligraphic scroll held with both hands, her long hair tied at the back and falling over her loose robe, finely incised with a foliate design, as she sits on the recumbent elephant visibly delighted by her presence, smiling benevolently. Her facial features are finely carved with pronounced feminine features showing her beauty, while at the same time radiating tranquility and Buddhist compassion. The underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi and the signature CHIKUYOSAI TOMOCHIKA with a kakihan.LENGTH 7.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: French private collection. The underside with old inventory number, '123'.According to legend, Kimi was a courtesan in the village of Eguchi and was so devoted to Buddhist scripture that she became the incarnation of Fugen Bosatsu (Boddhisattva Samantabhadra). The imagery satirizes the Buddhist bodhisattva Fugen (Samantabhadra), whose mount is the elephant, by replacing the deity with a beautifully coiffed modern courtesan. Such a visual pun (mitate) was an artistic trope, popular in the Edo period.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of Eguchi no Kimi by Tomochika, 7.7 cm wide, also dated mid-19th century, with the same signature and kakihan, at Lempertz, The Papp Collection of Netsuke, 16 June 2018, Cologne, lot 1057 (sold for 8,060 EUR). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 271
ISHIKAWA RENSAI: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A FISHERMAN SUBDUING A FUGU (BLOWFISH)By Ishikawa Rensai, signed Rensai 蓮齋Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, second half of 19th centuryPublished: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, p. 52-53, no. 357.Superbly polished, amusingly and finely carved as a fisherman on top of a giant fugu, his behind resting squarely on the fish's head, his hands grabbing the tail fin, his legs spread out as he uses all his strength to hold the fugu down, which has been considerably flattened by the man's effort, forming the oval base of the netsuke, the underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi and the rather unusual signature RENSAI in sosho script. Note the fine staining to the fugu's head and surrounding area.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.Literature comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke depicting a similar subject by Rensai, with similar staining to the fugu, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (1996) Meetings with Remarkable Netsuke, London, no. 90, and also illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 647. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 242
KIKUGAWA: A FINE IVORY AND EBONY NETSUKE OF A KARAKO ON DRUMBy a member of the Kikugawa family, signed Kikugawa 菊川 saku 作Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The boy almost naked, wearing only a bib, crawling over the top of large drum and holding a rope attached to a colored ivory ball. The drum is carved from ebony wood, the studs on the side minutely inlaid with dark horn, and with a looped ivory ring to the top. The boy is finely carved from ivory bearing a lustrous polish, the details inlaid in variously stained materials. Large himotoshi underneath, the smaller hole ringed in green-stained ivory and the larger hole generously excavated to accommodate the knot. Signed KIKUGAWA saku [made by Kikugawa].LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, some losses to the horn-inlaid studs of the drum.Provenance: French private collection acquired from Guffroy, Amiens, on 5th April 2003. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 262
KOKUSAI: A SUPERB STAG ANTLER CHAIRE (TEA CADDY)By Ozaki Kokusai (1835-1892), signed Koku 谷Japan, Shiba, Tokyo, c. 1860-1880Published: Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. II, pp. 168-169, no. 167.Masterfully carved in imitation of a potter chaire (tea caddy) with a beautifully stippled and ink-engraved design of grasses, some of the design using the naturally markings of the antler. The lid is of ivory, again in imitation of the typical pottery chaire lid, which are usually carved from ivory. The underside with a plugged spiral-ridged base, showing a circular seal KOKU, where one might typically expect the potter's mark (typically, Raku), deliberately half obscured as if partially glazed over. One himotoshi to the side, the cord attachment to the underside of the flush-fitting ivory lid, which shows a firing flaw in the form of a simulated crack.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection June Schuerch.Literature comparison:A similar stag antler ojime of a chaire, also with ivory lid and by Ozaki Kokusai, is illustrated next to the present lot in Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. II, pp. 168-169, no. 168. Another smaller stag antler netsuke of a chaire, also with ivory lid and by Ozaki Kokusai, is illustrated in Moss, Sydney L. (1982) Eccentrics in Netsuke, pp. 112-113, no. 71. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 226
GYOKUHOSAI RYUCHIN: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF MOMOTARO'S LOOTBy Gyokuhosai Ryuchin, signed Gyokuhosai 玉宝斎Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Superbly carved as the loot of Momotaro after vanquishing the demons on Onigashima, including the severed head of the three-eyed demon chief in the form of rokurokubi with outstretched tongue, a large treasure box with a banner on top incised with a peach design and the inscription Nihon'ichi ('number one'), an openworked peach carved with a figure and hut in anabori, the top showing a finely carved crab (one of Momotaro's allies) and incised with the inscription Tamagawa (referring to the scenic Tama Rivers), a tray and openworked stand filled with treasures (takaramono) next to a bundle of coral, and a small plaque inscribed Nihon ('Japan'). The underside well carved and with two himotoshi as well as the signature GYOKUHOSAI. A remarkably intricate carving.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear, minor age cracks, few minuscule nicks, occasional scratches. Fine patina.Provenance: Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 10 November 2016, London, lot 239 (sold for 3,750 GBP; part-lot, together with an unsigned ivory netsuke dated mid to late 19th century).Momotaro is a popular hero of Japanese folklore. His name translates as Peach Taro, a common monkey name, and is often translated as Peach Boy. The present netsuke alludes to the tale of Momotaro in several ways or could also be interpreted as a theatre prop set for a travelling entertainer to perform the tale.When he matured into adolescence, Momotaro left his parents to fight a band of oni, who marauded over their land. He sought them out in the distant island where they dwelled, a place called Onigashima or 'Demon Island'. En route, Momotaro met and befriended a talking dog, monkey, and pheasant, who agreed to help him in his quest in exchange for a portion of his rations. At the island, Momotaro and his animal friends penetrated the demons' fort and beat the band of demons into surrendering. Momotaro and his new friends returned home with the demons' plundered treasure and the demon chief as a captive.Gyokuhosai Ryuchin was regarded by Frederick Meinertzhagen as one of the most brilliant netsuke carvers of his time. His designs were original and often displayed his superior use of sukashibori (openwork technique). Gyokuhosai also excelled in the anabori (open cave-like carving) technique and often wrote inscriptions referring to scenic locations in Japan such as Mount Fuji, the Tamagawa Rivers, or Enoshima beach on simulated acorns and shells.Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke by Gyokuhosai, 3.5 cm wide, showing a similar use of anabori, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 75 (sold for 2,000 GBP). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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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