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Lot 118
A late 19th / early 20th century silver-plated spirit kettle on stand; polished ivory/bone handle and lid finial, maker's mark of Walker & Hall (Sheffield), raised on conforming stand with four cabriole-shaped legs terminating in animal's paws, engraved with armorial crest and legend 'Deeds Shew' (full height including handle 21.5cm)
Lot 216
Attributed to FREDERICK BUCK (Irish, 1771-1840); a fine circular portrait miniature on ivory with rose-gold-coloured frame, shoulder-length study of a beautiful young woman with blue eyes, fair curly hair and wearing a white dress trimmed with lace frills, the circular insert to the back with a straight hair 'cutting' laid onto card (45mm diameter)Condition Report: The miniature looks very good with no cracks, warping, damage or fading. There is a slight darkening to the bottom area of the miniature to the left & right of the body which may well be original shading for the painting etc. The frame is good although being super critical under a loupe small folds on the metal can be seen.
Lot 236
An assortment of items to include a mother of pearl half shell (damaged) carved in low relief with a fishing trawling scene, a pair of 19th century turned ivory dice cups/shakers, an early 20th century easel-style gilt framed engraving, hand-decorated metal figures of Napoleon, a small plaster bust of Napoleon etc.
Lot 293
Gyula BOROS (Hungarian b.1950); an interesting oil on board/panel still-life study of a Nuremburg-style carved ivory and silver-lidded tankard, a tall glass behind and a candlestick with lighted candle; signed Boros lower right; sold with 2014 S. & V. Farnsworth - Grimes House Gallery invoice for £750, gilt frame (board size 23.5cm x 29cm)
Lot 143
Royalty.- Carte de Visite album, 45 mounted cards, photographic and printed cards depicting various European royalty, modern printed name labels attached to foot of each leaf, H.R.H. Princess Louise and the Marquis of Lorne signed on mount, fractionally obscured by labels, small tape repairs to 2 mounts, occasional faint spotting, contemporary morocco with ivory straps, brass claps, g.e., c.1830-1911; and a modern portfolio of research on the people in the album, 8vo & 4to (2). *** Including cards for: Louis Napoleon III; Albert, Prince Royal of Belgium; King Wilhelm I of Russia; Prince Otto von Bismark; Guiseppe Garibaldi; Pope Pius IX; Benjamin Disraeli; Queen Victoria; Prince Albert; Edward, Prince of Wales; Princess Alexandra of Denmark; Princess Augusta of Schleswig-Holstein; Princess Eugenie of France.
Lot 1
A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING SARUMAWASHI AND THIEVING MONKEY Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of compact and elegantly curved form, boldly carved as a reclining monkey trainer, his head resting on his right hand as he sleeps with a content smile on his face, blissfully unaware of his cheeky monkey reaching over his body attempting to steal some food from the basket at his side, the back with two generously excavated himotoshi. A particularly impressive example of this classic motif, of relatively large size and exceptional detail, with a superb and lustrous patina with spots of honey.LENGTH 6.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, natural age cracks.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection.
Lot 10
AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF RIHAKU UnsignedJapan, early to mid-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An early ivory netsuke of the poet Rihaku (In Chinese Li Bai) shown seated on a base sleeping and leaning on a scholarly table. He is wearing a traditional Chinese cap and a flowing, well-carved Chinese robe. His facial features are crafted extraordinarily well, deeply slumbering, probably after drinking some wine – a popular subject of his poems. Beautiful deep-yellow and honey patina and excellent himotoshi through the back and underside.HEIGHT 4.3 cmCondition: Very good age-related condition with expected age cracks and stunning patina.Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan c. 1980.Auction comparison:Compare to a similar netsuke sold by Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 2 November 2019, Vienna, lot 2 (sold for 3,286 EUR).Li Bai (701-762) was a famous poet during the Tang-dynasty, often referred to as China’s golden age of poetry. In 724 AD he set out from his home region of Shu and began a life of roaming— visiting Daoist sites, meeting many scholars, and leaving behind hundreds of poems about his travels, his solitude, his friends, the moon, and especially the pleasures of drinking wine.
Lot 11
AN IVORY FRAGMENT OF A CHINESE SAGE RE-PURPOSED AS A NETSUKE UnsignedChina, first half of 17th century, Ming dynasty (1358-1644)Published: Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, Vol. 2, pp. 346-347, no. K712.Taken from a fragment of a fine Ming Dynasty ivory figure of a Chinese sage, possibly depicting Shoulao. The ivory of a deep-yellow, golden color with a fine patina. The reverse has been fitted with a black-lacquered wood structure with three large himotoshi for the cord attachment. This type of of ‘re-purposed’ netsuke belongs to the earliest known netsuke.HEIGHT 9.3 cmCondition: Good condition with age cracks and wear to the lacquered backside. All as visible in the images provided.Provenance: Ex-collection Julius and Arlette Katchen, Paris.Auction comparison: For an ivory figure of similar quality and size see Christie’s Interiors, 3 April 2012, London, lot 527 (sold for 10,625 GBP).
Lot 113
AN INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF KIYOHIME, ATTRIBUTED TO MINKO Attributed to Tanaka Juntoko Minko (1735-1816), unsignedJapan, Tsu, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting the wrathful Kiyohime with finely carved long hair, as a serpentine monster pursuing the priest Anchin in her rage and wrapping her scaly body around the Dojo-ji temple bell. Her face and hands are inlaid in ivory, the pupils are inlaid in dark horn at the corners. The handle of the bell, made from a different type of wood, is surmounted by two dragon heads and a tama. Himotoshi underneath Kiyohime and underneath the bell, the latter ringed in bone. Additionally, there is a peg for cord attachment on the inside of the removable handle.LENGTH 5.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minuscule surface wear.Provenance: British private collection.Auction comparison:A related netsuke by Minko was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 24 November 2018, Vienna, lot 70 (sold for 8,670 EUR).
Lot 12
A MONUMENTALLY TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND ONI UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A massive ivory netsuke, dramatic and powerful, and of distinct triangular shape, typical for the early ivory katabori netsuke of this type. Depicted is the demon queller Shoki, holding his downward-pointing sword in one hand and the leg of an oni, which sits on his shoulders, in the other. Both are looking upwards, Shoki exclaiming, his dense bushy beard blowing against his cheeks in the wind. His impressively carved robe with long draping sleeves is incised with dense cloud patterns and his pupils are inlaid in dark horn. Fine, yellowish patina throughout, turning deeper in the back. Excellent and generously excavated himotoshi, exactly as they should be.HEIGHT 15.7 cmCondition: Amazingly undamaged throughout the centuries. Some expected age cracks and surface wear.Provenance: European private collection.
Lot 127
IKKAN: A WOOD AND IVORY NETSUKE OF A SKULL By Ikkan (1817-1893), signed Ikkansai saku 一貫齋作Japan, Nagoya, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. 1, p. 508.Exhibited: Bonhams, Paris, during the International Netsuke Collector’s Society Convention October 2019.Naturalistically carved from wood with ivory teeth, a repair cleat and several ‘cracks’ on the skull, ‘natural’ himotoshi through several openings, the back of the skull incised with the signature IKKANSAI saku.LENGTH 4.2 cm, HEIGHT 3.9 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: European collection P. Jacquesson.Ikkan was a famous netsuke carver from Nagoya and active during the 19th century. F. M. Jonas mentions a wood netsuke with the name Ikkansai and notes that it must be identical to Ikkan (Netsuke, 1928, p. 135).
Lot 13
A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF SHIRO UnsignedJapan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Rutherston & Bandini (2013) Japanese Netsuke, no. 4.Depicting Emma-o’s attendant Shiro, who was sent to steal Daikoku’s bag of rice, being attacked with a branch of holly by one of the lucky god’s rats. Shiro is shown here in a cowering posture, biting into his folded arms in front of him, signifying his defeat. He has long hair, large horns and wears a tiger skin loincloth. The underside shows the very large, generously excavated himotoshi, and a gorgeous, rich honey-yellow patina.LENGTH 4.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, age cracks.Provenance: British private collection.
Lot 14
A RARE IVORY SEAL NETSUKE WITH AN ONI UnsignedJapan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The rectangular seal with a cut underside and key fret border design on the side, surmounted by a reclining and grim-looking oni. The ivory beautifully worn. Himotoshi through the side of the belly. Remnants of dried red seal paste underneath.LENGTH 3 cmCondition: Good condition with expected surface wear and age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.
Lot 147
SATO MASAYOSHI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO SHISHI WITH BROCADE BALL By Sato Masayoshi, signed Masayoshi 正義Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved with two shishi playfully fighting, one rolling the other onto its back and biting its leg, forming a compact composition, the brocade ball containing a loose ball inside, many ‘natural’ himotoshi due to the openwork nature of the netsuke, the one most likely intended by the carver is formed by one of the front legs of the lower shishi, which also shows the signature MASAYOSHI within an oblong reserve.HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, few minuscule nicks.Provenance: German private collection, acquired at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 11 May 2010, London, lot 188 (sold for 960 GBP).Auction comparison: Compare a related netsuke of three shishi by the same carver at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French Private Collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 142 (sold for 3,812 GBP).Literature comparison: Masayoshi and his followers made a number of netsuke depicting shishi, either singly or in groups. A somewhat similar composition in ivory by the artist is illustrated in Neil Davey (1974) Netsuke, p. 202, no. 612, while another similar example in wood by Masamitsu is illustrated in ibid., p. 203, no. 616.
Lot 148
SUKEHARU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A KAPPA ON CLAM By Eguro Sukeharu (born 1831), signed Sukeharu 亮治Japan, Takayama, Hida province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A very finely carved study of a kappa with one hind foot caught in the jaws of a hamaguri clam as it climbs over it. The warty skin of the kappa is masterfully rendered, the eyes are inlaid, the shell is finely carved and the long hair surrounding the kappa’s swirling vital fluids on the head is minutely incised. The surface of the clam is highly polished and attractively stained. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi ringed in ivory through the underside, signed SUKEHARU.HEIGHT 3.4 cmCondition: Very good condition. The ivory-inlaid himotoshi with some wear and losses as visible in the images provided.Provenance: Ex-collection Milgrom, sold at Lucien, Paris, 24 September 2015, lot 424. Then in a French private collection.This is a popular and celebrated model by members of the Suke-school in Takayama, many of them carved by Suketada, who was the younger brother of the carver of this netsuke, Sukeharu. Sukeharu’s output however is considerably rarer with only one netsuke being recorded in Fuld’s database. The reason for this is that he spent almost his entire life in Edo where he used the signature Gyokusai.Auction comparison:Compare to a very similar netsuke by Suketada sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 16 May 2013, London, lot 34 (sold for 5,250 GBP). Also compare to another very similar netsuke by Suketada more recently sold at Koller Auktionen, Asiatica: Japan, Indien, Südostasien, 4 June 2019, Zurich, lot 410 (sold for 6,000 CHF).
Lot 15
A RARE IVORY ASHTRAY NETSUKE OF A TIGER UnsignedJapan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The ashtray netsuke in the form of a crouching tiger and ready to pounce, its body compressed forming a compact composition and the underside generously hollowed out, showing signs of usage as an ashtray. The tiger’s fur is finely incised and pleasingly worn, showing a warm, deep-yellow patina. The pupils are inlaid in gilt brass. A peg with an eyelet is inset to function as the cord attachment.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Good, worn condition with few small age cracks. The himotoshi peg is likely a replacement.Provenance: German private collection.A quite unusual netsuke – Hasegawa Ikko comes to mind as a possible artist.
Lot 17
AN OLD IVORY NETSUKE OF KIYOHIME UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An old, worn ivory netsuke depicting the wrathful female demon Kiyohime holding a strand of her hair in one hand and a mallet in the other, her dragon-like body tightly wrapped around the bell of Dojo-ji. Her eyes are inlaid in dark horn. The ivory bearing a beautiful, lustrous patina. Himotoshi through the bell.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Good, age-related condition. One old, worn-down chip to the edge of the bell. Some age cracks and surface wear.Provenance: Dutch private collection.In the legend of Kiyohime, the priest Anchin fell in love with the once beautiful Kiyohime, but refrained from his passions, escaping from her which made Kiyohime transform into a dragon-like monster due to her rage. In her rage she belched a fire so great it not only melted the temple bell but also killed Anchin.
Lot 183
MINKOKU: A SUPERB IVORY MANJU NETSUKE WITH THE JUNISHI (ZODIAC) By Shuyusai Minkoku (Minkoku II), signed Minkoku 民谷Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A rather large and early piece, beautifully worn and with a stunning natural patina, turning caramel-brown on the sides. Depicted is the junishi, or the twelve animals of the zodiac. All the animals are present; the monkey (saru) is pulling the horse (uma) by its reins, the dragon (tatsu) and tiger (tora) are confronting each other, some of the animals show inlaid eyes of gilt brass. Large, generously excavated himotoshi through the back and signed MINKOKU – an early piece of Shuyusai Minkoku, the pupil of Genryosai Minkoku I.DIAMETER 4.7 cmCondition: Very good condition. The surface beautifully worn, with some age cracks and associated surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.
Lot 184
MASATSUGU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A TENNIN By Masatsugu, signed Masatsugu 正次Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A fine, delicate carving of a Buddhist angel depicted in flight, gracefully smiling, her hair elegantly tied, neatly incised and inked, held together by a chrysanthemum tiara. She holds a large lotus bud over her shoulder like a scepter. Her robe flutters in the breeze, a soft scarf encircling her head and flowing back towards her feet. Signature inside a rounded reserve MASATSUGU.LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition, the inked details ever so slightly worn.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased at Kunsthandel Klefisch, 89. Auktion, 27 September 2008, Cologne, lot 100.Note the similarity of the carving and manner of the signature to Shuyusai Minkoku (Minkoku II).Auction comparison:For a very similar netsuke by Minkoku II, see Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 75 (sold for 3.000 GBP). Recently re-sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 155 (sold for 4,880 EUR).Literature comparison:For another example of the subject by Shuyusai Minkoku, see Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 519.
Lot 189
A RARE EDO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF TAMATORI-HIME ('PRINCESS JEWEL TAKER') Unsigned Japan, Edo (Tokyo), first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved in sukashibori (openwork) with the ama holding the precious jewel (Menkai fuhai no tama) in one hand and a pearl knife in the other, as a fierce dragon approaches her, all amid scrolling and crashing waves. Two himotoshi to either side of one of the dragon’s legs to the underside.HEIGHT 3.4 cm, LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, few minuscule nicks and small natural age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.Laura Miller writes, “[the] legend of Princess Tamatori (Tamatorihime), or Ama, developed around the historical figure Fujiwara no Kamatari (614–69), who was the founder of the powerful Fujiwara clan. Upon Kamatari’s death, the Tang dynasty emperor, who had received Kamatari’s beautiful daughter as a consort, sent three priceless treasures to Japan in order to comfort his grieving lover by honoring her father. One of the treasures, a pearl, was stolen by the dragon king during a storm on its way to Japan in the inlet of Fusazaki. Kamatari’s son Fujiwara no Fuhito (659–720) went in search of the pearl to the isolated area where he met and married a beautiful pearl diver named Ama, who bore him a son. Ama, full of love for their son, vowed to help recover the stolen pearl. After many failed attempts, Ama was finally successful when the dragon and grotesque creatures guarding it were lulled to sleep by music. Upon reclaiming the treasure, she came under pursuit by the awakened sea creatures. She cut open her breast to place the pearl inside for safekeeping the resulting flow of blood clouded the water and aided her escape. She died from the resulting wound but is revered for her selfless act of sacrifice for her husband Fuhito and their son.” (Competition and Collaboration: Japanese Prints of the Utagawa School, 2007, p. 137)Literature comparison:The fable of Tamatori-hime (‘Princess Jewel Taker’), was a favorite ukiyo-e subject of Utagawa Kuniyoshi, see for example a triptych in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number JP1564.
Lot 191
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF BUSHO SLAYING THE TIGER UnsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Busho stands behind the tiger, one hand firmly pushing down on the animal’s back, his other hand raised to deliver a deadly blow. The poor tiger is curled up frightenedly, snarling, the tail curling up around Busho’s back. The ivory is finely stained, and the details are finely engraved. Furthermore, the netsuke is worked with sumi (ink) used for the tiger’s naturalistic fur coat as well as Busho’s hair and beard. Himotoshi through Busho’s back.HEIGHT 3.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, some minor wear particularly to the sumi-stained details.Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan c. 1980.Busho was part of a band of brigands who terrorized China in the 13th century. According to legend, he could kill a tiger by delivering a single blow, as depicted in this netsuke.
Lot 192
TOMOCHIKA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAKAN WITH TIGER By Tomochika, signed Tomochika 友親Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The Rakan seated on a rock holding a nyoi-scepter, a tiger with finely inked and incised fur behind him and curling around to the Rakan’s side. The details finely engraved. Signed within an oval reserve TOMOCHIKA in-between the naturally incorporated himotoshi.HEIGHT 3.3 cmCondition: Superb condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.Auction comparison:A similar netsuke was sold at Lempertz, Auction 1124, 7 December 2018, Cologne, lot 446 (sold for 1,000 EUR).
Lot 193
TOMOCHIKA: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF TAMAMO NO MAE WITH THE NINE-TAILED FOX By Chikuyosai Tomochika, signed Tomochika 友親Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting the concubine Tamamo no Mae smiling and holding a fan against the side of her face, leaning against a nine-tailed kitsune (fox) – her true identity. A woman, possibly Abe no Seimei’s wife, creeps up to her, armed with a knife and about to strike. The details are finely inked, some red coloring is used for the mouths. Natural himotoshi and signed underneath TOMOCHIKA inside a wavy reserve.HEIGHT 4.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with hardly any wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased from Kunsthandel Klefisch, Auction 89, 27 September 2008, Cologne, lot 165.Literature comparison:For a similar netsuke by Tomochika and an explanation of the depicted legend see Marie-Therese Coullery and Martin S. Newstead (1977) The Baur Collection, pp. 174-175, C 419.
Lot 194
GYOKUZAN: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF THE LEGEND OF THE TONGUE-CUT SPARROW (SHITAKIRI SUZUME) By Gyokuzan, signed Gyokuzan 玉山Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The ivory netsuke showing the two very different outcomes of the story. On the left is Nasakeji tipping over his box, gifted to him by the sparrow people. A multitude of treasures and coins are falling out as he laughs and points downwards. To the right is his wife Arababa, who cut the sparrow’s tongue. Her box reveals three bakemono who are torturing her, amongst them Rokurokubi who is licking the side of her face. The ivory finely stained and the details well-carved. The underside with signature GYOKUZAN and a centrally drilled himotoshi.LENGTH 4.4 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear to staining.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased from Kunsthandel Klefisch, Auction 98, 13 October 2012, Cologne, lot 248.Literature comparison:A similar netsuke by Tomochika is illustrated in Marie-Therese Coullery and Martin S. Newstead (1977) The Baur Collection, pp. 180-181, C 439.
Lot 195
RYUMEI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A COCKEREL By Ryumei, signed Ryumei 龍明Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The rooster with neatly incised wings, plumage, and tail as well as finely stippled comb and wattle, the long tail curving elegantly towards the underside and terminating in the ingot-shaped reserve, with the signature RYUMEI, with the feet incised to the other side, with two symmetrical himotoshi to either long side of the reserve.HEIGHT 2.9 cm, LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, few natural age cracks.Provenance: German private collection.
Lot 196
TOMOCHIKA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A COCKEREL AND HEN By Tomochika, signed Tomochika 友親Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The rooster and hen standing side by side in a dustpan, their wings, plumage, and tails finely incised, the rooster with neatly stippled comb and wattle, a single himotoshi to the underside, beside the signature TOMOCHIKA within an irregularly shaped reserve.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Good condition with minor surface wear and natural age cracks.Provenance: German private collection.Literature comparison: For a similar netsuke by Tomochika, depicting a cock and hen seated on shimenawa, see Marie-Therese Coullery and Martin S. Newstead (1977) The Baur Collection, p. 324, C 993.
Lot 197
HIDECHIKA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF JUROJIN By Chounsai Hidechika, signed Hidechika 秀親Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting the lucky deity Jurojin, laughing and holding a scroll, his robe adorned with elaborate patterns and the ivory finely stained. Good, asymmetrical himotoshi through the back, the larger one excavated to accommodate the knot. Signed underneath HIDECHIKA – The artist shows similarities to both the Hidemasa and Tomochika school, interestingly also having a kanji from both schools.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Superb condition with only minor wear and expected age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.
Lot 198
TOMOTSUGU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MOTHER WITH CHILD By Tomotsugu, signed Tomotsugu 友次Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A well-sized ivory netsuke depicting a mother supporting her child on her back and holding a large tea kettle. The expressions are sensitively crafted. The quite beautiful lady represents fertility and devotion, as she carries her child and a tea kettle, presumably to her husband. The robes of the two are carved exquisitely, adorned with geometrical motifs, the ivory finely stained. Good himotoshi in the back and signature underneath TOMOTSUGU – a pupil from the Tomochika school.HEIGHT 6.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, some expected surface wear.Provenance: French private collection.Auction comparison:Compare to a related netsuke by Tomochika, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 2 November 2019, Vienna, lot 37 (sold for 10,112 EUR).
Lot 2
AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF A SARUMAWASHI UnsignedJapan, early 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A spirited and old carving, depicting a sarumawashi (monkey trainer) yanking at the rope around his monkey’s neck. The ivory bearing a wonderful patina. Himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 7.6 cmCondition: Good, worn, age-related condition. Several old and worn-down chips and many age cracks.
Lot 201
IKKOSAI: AN EBONY WOOD AND IVORY NETSUKE OF JUROJIN ON AN OX By Ikkosai Saito Itaro, signed Ikkosai 一光斎Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The small ivory figure of Jurojin seated, holding a tama (magic jewel), on the back of the recumbent ebony ox, its rope halter inlaid with boxwood. Two symmetrical himotoshi to the underside, the signature IKKOSAI within an oval reserve, as is typical for this artist.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: German private collection.For a discussion of the artist, see International Netsuke Society Journal (Spring 2019) Vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 13-20.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related netsuke by the same carver, but of slightly smaller size, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part I, 8 November 2016, London, lot 9 (sold for 2,250 GBP).
Lot 202
IKKOSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY AND OCTOPUS WRESTLING By ‘Saru’ Ikkosai, signed Ikkosai 一光齋Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Published: Zacken, Wolfmar (1987) Netsuke, no. 148.Finely carved, partially in sukashibori (openwork), depicting a monkey and an octopus engaged in a vicious fight, with the monkey pulling on his adversary’s soft head and grasping one tentacle while the octopus’ many suckered tentacles writhe around the simian’s limbs and neck, both with dark inlaid pupils, many ‘natural’ himotoshi due to the openwork and dynamic nature of the piece, one of the tentacles with the signature IKKOSAI to the underside.HEIGHT 3.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear.Provenance: German private collection, purchased at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 2 June 2018, Vienna, lot 5 (sold for 4,204 EUR).For a detailed discussion of the artist see INSJ Vol. 39, no. 3, Fall 2019, pp. 29-34.Auction comparison: Compare with a related netsuke by Ikkosai, dated to the mid-19th century and depicting an octopus fighting two monkeys, at Lempertz, Japanische Kunst, 7 June 2019, Cologne, lot 426 (sold for 7,192 EUR). A related netsuke by ‘Saru’ Ikkosai depicting a monkey with sleeping young and dated to the second half of the 19th century was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 182 (sold for 6,100 EUR).
Lot 203
IKKOSAI HORAKU: AN INLAID IVORY MANJU NETSUKE OF A RAKAN By Ikkosai Horaku, signed Ikkosai Horaku 一光齋 法 乐 and kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 192 & reproduced in Lazarnick, George (1982) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, Vol. 1, p. 489.The two-part manju finely carved in shishiaibori (sunken relief) with an image of a meditative rakan bearing a powerfully crafted, stern-faced expression and wearing an elaborate set of earrings inlaid in metal, jadeite, coral, and mother-of-pearl. The reverse with a central himotoshi, impressive crashing waves carved in katakiri, and the full signature IKKOSAI HORAKU and kakihan.DIAMETER 4.5 cmCondition: Good condition. The surface and sumi-stained details are slightly worn.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection assembled within the same family over three generations.Ikkosai Horaku was an accomplished student of Ikkosai Kojitsu, who was a pupil of Meikeisai Hojitsu. The kakihan used is virtually the same as Kojitsu’s, however the output of Horaku is significantly scarcer. Furthermore, this is the only recorded netsuke with the full signature.
Lot 205
A FINE EDO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF THREE ONI WITH TABAKO-IRE SET UnsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Intricately carved as three mischievous oni messing around with a tabako-ire set consisting of a kiseruzutsu, tobacco pouch, ojime, and ashtray netsuke. The ivory lightly stained and the details finely engraved and stippled. Natural himotoshi. Unsigned, however likely by the circle of hands around Gyokkosai and Ikkosai of Edo (Tokyo).HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with some minor associated surface wear.Provenance: French private collection.
Lot 206
RYUSAI: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF SHOKI WITH A BAG OF ONI By Ryusai, signed Ryusai 隆齋Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An extraordinarily fine depiction of the demon queller Shoki, seated with a grim expression. Tied to his back is a sack filled to the brim with oni. Three oni are peeking out, all with differently grimacing expressions. Judging by Shoki’s expression he knows that the mischievous oni are about to make the great escape, as the cracks through the sack are already visible. The stained ivory is superbly finished. Good detail to his flowing beard and the folds of his Chinese garments and the sack. One smaller and one larger himotoshi inlaid with green-stained horn; behind the signature in sosho in a square reserve RYUSAI – school of Ryukei II and Jugyoku II.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Collection of Sam Felton, Naples, Florida.Auction comparison:A very similar netsuke in wood by Jugyoku was sold at Van Ham, Asiatische Kunst, 7 December 2017, Cologne, lot 2289 (sold for 5,547 EUR).
Lot 210
ICHIYUSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF ENSHI By Ichiyusai Naoharu/Naomitsu, signed Ichiyusai 一遊齋Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1830-1850, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting Enshi lifting his deer hide cloak with some vigor, the garment patterns and deer fur neatly incised and inked. Himotoshi through the back and signed ICHIYUSAI.HEIGHT 4.2 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear to inked and stained details, as visible in the images provided. Some age cracks.Provenance: French private collection.It is not possible to distinguish between Ichiyusai Naoharu and Naomitsu. Both makers are known for their very fine manju netsuke, while katabori pieces are rare.Enshi (in Chinese Tan Zi), is one of the twenty-four paragons of filial piety, a classic text of Confucian filial piety written by Guo Jujing during the Yuan Dynasty (1260-1368). Enshi's parents had an eye ailment that could only be cured by deer's milk. His family was too poor to buy the expensive milk, so Enshi disguised himself like a deer in order to get milk directly from does in the herd near his home. One day as Tanzi was playing amid the deers, the animals suddenly ran for the trees, leaving Tan Zi alone in the middle of the meadow. He looked towards the path and saw why the deer had fled. Hunters, bow in hand, stood in the shade, prepared to shoot some venison. Just in time he stood up (the moment depicted in the netsuke) and explained to them his story and the hunters escorted him safely back home.
Lot 211
ICHIYUSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A BOY WITH DOG AND BESHIMI MASK By Ichiyusai Naoharu/Naomitsu, signed Ichiyusai 一遊齋Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1830-1850, Edo period (1615-1868)A well-sized ivory netsuke of a boy holding a bag behind his back and a leash to which a mask of Beshimi is attached. He is playing with his dog which holds the mask between his paws and bites into it. The details very finely carved and beautifully worn with a fine glossy patina, particularly to the reverse. Himotoshi through the boy’s robe and signed underneath ICHIYUSAI.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Superb condition with associated surface wear, a fine patina, and natural age cracks.Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan c. 1980.It is not possible to distinguish between Ichiyusai Naoharu and Naomitsu. Both makers are known for their very fine manju netsuke and katabori pieces are rare.
Lot 212
SO: A FINE AND CHARMING TOKYO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY SEATED ON A MINOGAME Signed So 宗 with a kakihanJapan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryCarved from dark wood and depicting a small monkey seated atop a minogame. The monkey’s fur is neatly incised, and the hands and feet are very well rendered. The face is minutely inlaid with ivory, showing a somewhat somber expression. The minogame’s carapace is naturalistically carved and the characteristic seaweed tail is incised with precisely lined strokes. The underside with asymmetrical himotoshi, the smaller ringed in green-stained bone, and signed SO with kakihan.HEIGHT 3.3 cm, LENGTH 3.3 cmCondition: Very good condition. Some wear to the inlaid himotoshi.Provenance: British private collection.Very similar examples exist throughout the Tokyo school, most notably by Komin. There are several artists who share the same kanji ‘so’ 宗, and some who use the same kakihan, such as Somin and Sorin.
Lot 213
KOMIN: A FINE INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF A KAPPA WITH HAMAGURI CLAM By Komin, signed Komin 光珉Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting a kappa (water goblin) climbing over a hamaguri clam, one foot stuck inside, the fleshy interior slightly revealed with inlaid ivory. Its expression is grotesquely amusing, the eyes double-inlaid, the corner of its mouth with minutely inlaid fangs. The edge of the naturalistically modelled clam is inlaid in purple-tinted shell. The carapace of the kappa is worked in meticulous detail, and the bare body parts are worked in precisely spaced ukibori pimples. The hollow section on the kappa’s head, which according to legend hold its vital fluids, is filled with pewter. The himotoshi underneath are lined in silver and the signature KOMIN is found on a gilt cartouche.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Good condition, there appears to be some minor damage to an inlay on the underside.Provenance: German private collection.Auction comparison:A similar netsuke by Komin was sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 16 May 2013, London, lot 38 (sold for 4,375 GBP).
Lot 217
SHUGETSU III: A WOOD NETSUKE OF EBISU AND DAIKOKU By Hara Shugetsu III, signed Shugetsu 舟月Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The two lucky gods side by side, Ebisu carrying a large treasure bag (takarabukuro) which contains Daikoku, who is holding his mallet and wearing his characteristic hat. The underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi, the larger of oval shape and ringed in ivory, and the finely incised seal signature SHUGETSU.WIDTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, the tied bow at the back of Ebisu’s hat with an old worn-down chip to one side.Provenance: Spanish private collection.Literature comparison: Three netsuke by Shugetsu III with near-identical seals are listed (two are illustrated) in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 766.
Lot 218
SHUMIN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF DARUMA By Shumin, signed Shumin 舟民Japan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryFinely carved as the Zen patriarch Daruma, bare-chested and almost completely enveloped in his robe, with a stern-faced meditative expression. The garment folds are powerfully accentuated, and the facial expression is expertly crafted. The lightly stained wood is appealingly worn. The underside with inlaid ivory himotoshi, the larger one of oval shape, next to the signature SHUMIN.HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, some tiny nicks to the edges of the robe and a small crack through the larger himotoshi.Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan c. 1980.This was a popular model by Hara Shumin, who was a pupil and adopted son of Hara Shugetsu.
Lot 219
KAGETOSHI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO SHISHI WITH ROCK CRYSTAL TAMA By Kagetoshi, signed Kagetoshi 景利Japan, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Barry Davies Oriental Art, Chicago 1999, p. 29, no. 50.Finely carved as two Buddhist lions playfully encompassing a rock crystal tama. Both shishi with elaborately carved tufts of hair and bushy curls, as well as inlaid pupils. The carving is partially executed in sukashi-bori (openwork), a technique Kagetoshi became famous for. Natural himotoshi and signature KAGETOSHI within a typical rectangular reserve underneath.LENGTH 3.3 cmCondition: Some minor age cracks and a small chip to a section of a tail underneath. Generally, in very good condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased from Barry Davies.
Lot 221
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A CAPARISONED ELEPHANT WITH BOYS UnsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The caparisoned elephant standing on a rocky plinth, one boy on top and another by its side, both dressed in Korean garments. The Japanese boys are reenacting a procession of the Korean embassy through the streets of Edo. The ivory slightly worn with a good warm patina and the details finely incised. The tasseled cords hanging from the elephant’s saddle are embellished with metal and green-stained inlays. Central himotoshi through the finely stippled base.HEIGHT 3.8 cm, LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, natural age cracks.Provenance: French private collection.
Lot 222
IKKO: AN IVORY NETSUKE-OKIMONO OF A GROUP OF RATS By Ikko, signed Ikko 一光Japan, probably Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)An animated group of rats, two adults and three young, the ivory finely stained and the hairwork minutely incised. Two young rats are sniffing each other at the top, while one adult is nibbling at the tail of another. The last two are nibbling on edamame bean pods. All eyes are inlaid in dark lustrous horn. Natural himotoshi and signed underneath the contrastingly smooth bean pod IKKO.LENGTH 4.8 cmCondition: Superb condition with only extremely minor wear to stained details.
Lot 224
KOICHI: AN IVORY RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE OF HANASAKA JIJI By Koichi, signed Koichi 光一Japan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryAn amusing variation of the famous tale of Hanasaka Jiji. Depicted is the old couple amongst a multitude of treasures, known as takaramono, carved all around the netsuke. Hanasaka Jiji carries a hoe, which he famously uses to dig up coins, while his wife puts the coins into a large bag, the treasure-granting dog Shiro is seen on the side. The reverse with a scroll bearing an inscription and the signature KOICHI, as well as the central himotoshi.DIAMETER 3.9 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased at Lempertz, 10 June 2003, Cologne, lot 1063.The popular folktale goes as follows: There was once an old couple, Hanasaka Jiji and his wife, who had a dog named Shiro and particularly nasty neighbors. One day Shiro began sniffing and barking at a certain spot and when Hanasaka dug up the spot a large number of coins came up. The greedy neighbors watched and took the dog by force to their own garden. However, the spot at which the dog sniffed was filled with only filth and the neighbors killed the poor dog and buried it under a pine tree. The old man Hanasaka Jiji, much grieved, offered sacrifice upon the spot and the dog’s ghost appeared and commanded him to cut down the tree to make a rice mortar out of its trunk, which changed the rice into gold. The neighbors managed to borrow the mortar, however for them the rice turned only into filth and they burned the mortar. The dog appeared to Hanasaka once more and told him to retrieve the ashes from his neighbors and scatter them over dead trees, which miraculously began sprouting. Hanasaka became famous across the country, his fame even reaching the Daimyo of a neighboring province, who tested his powers and loaded him with treasures (the takaramono seen in this netsuke). The neighbor tried to do the same, but the ashes blew into the Daimyo's eyes, so he threw him into prison.
Lot 225
KOGETSUSAI: AN IVORY MANJU NETSUKE WITH FESTIVAL SCENE By Kogetsusai Naomasa, signed Kogetsusai 光月齋Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The ivory finely stained, the front carved in shishiaibori (sunken relief) with an image of a boy getting ready for a Shinto festival, carrying a hoko banner rattle with an incised sparrow and gohei paper strips attached to it. The reverse shows a drum with two drumsticks, the central himotoshi, and the incised signature KOGETSUSAI.DIAMETER 4 cmCondition: Good condition, the details slightly worn.Provenance: German private collection, with collection nos. ‘82’ inside.Literature comparison:Another manju netsuke by the artist is in the collection of the LACMA, accession no. M.87.263.24.
Lot 226
RYUKOKU: AN IVORY MANJU NETSUKE OF A WOMAN BREASTFEEDING HER CHILD By Kikugawa Ryukoku, signed Ryukoku 流谷Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved in shishiaibori (sunken relief) to one side with a mother breastfeeding her child as she shakes a toy rattle in her right hand, the boy suckling on one breast and grabbing the other. The other side with an iron tea kettle (tetsubin) and a small pouch as well as the incised signature RYOKOKU, a member of the Kikugawa family who was active during the mid-19th century, a pupil of Kikugawa Hakuunsai.DIAMETER 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, particularly along the edges.Provenance: European collection.Auction comparison: Compare a related netsuke by the same carver, depicting Kintaro riding a giant carp, also carved in shishiaibori, at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 16 September 2003, New York, lot 278 (sold for 2,309 USD).
Lot 227
ONO RYOMIN: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A BUTTERFLY DANCER, KOCHO NO MAI By Ono Ryomin, signed Ryomin 陵民 and kakihanJapan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryThe butterfly dancer performing the kocho no mai is shown in a dancing posture, the details very finely rendered and the ivory lightly stained. The robe shows many meticulously incised patterns, the details stained in sumi-e (ink). Note also the minutely engraved and inked hair, and the two flowers tucked underneath the headband. The reverse shows the characteristic butterfly wings, two neatly pierced himotoshi, and the signature RYOMIN and typical kakihan.HEIGHT 4.1 cmCondition: Superb condition.Provenance: British private collection.Literature comparison:For another example of this very rare subject see Schwarz, Karl M. (1998) Netsuke Subjects, no. 290.
Lot 228
KOJITSU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A BIJIN BATHING HER CHILD By Ikkosai Saito Yataro, signed Kojitsu 孝實Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely stained, inked, and carved, the young beauty with elaborate coiffure washing her infant son in a wooden wash tub as he plays with a water bucket, a cheerful expression on his face, the underside with asymmetrical himotoshi, the larger generously excavated to accommodate the knot, and the neatly incised signature KOJITSU.WIDTH 3.7 cmCondition: Good condition with minor surface wear, one small chip to the underside of the tub.Provenance: European collection.On this artist, Meinertzhagen writes, “Son of Saito Ikkosai Toun. In his middle age became a pupil of Meikeisai Hojitsu. […] The work of Ikkosai Kojitsu shows refined workmanship and often a delicate charm […].” (MCI, 1986, p. 357)
Lot 23
A TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TARTAR ARCHER UnsignedJapan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved standing with the feet pointing in opposite directions, wearing an elaborately patterned robe with wavy collar, key-fret band, and cloud and wave designs, carrying a quiver of arrows on his back and holding a bow tightly to his side with his left hand, the right hand raised toward his shoulder, his head turned upward to the side, the face showing a fierce expression with large bulging eyes, inked pupils, a broad nose with flaring nostrils, and a wide-open mouth, two asymmetrical himotoshi to the back. The ivory bearing a fine patina.HEIGHT 11 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear and expected natural age cracks.Provenance: German private collection.The Tartars were a race of Mongolian nomads, occupying areas in Northern China. They tended to drive south in the winter and invaded China and Japan in the 13th century, finally founding the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368) in China under Kublai Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan.Auction comparison:Compare with a closely related netsuke at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2016, lot 245 (part lot, sold for 4,375 GBP).
Lot 233
MIYAGI CHOKUSAI (B. 1877): A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF FOUR MEN TRYING TO CAPTURE THE NAMAZU By Miyagi Chokusai (born 1877), signed Chokusai 直齋with kakihanJapan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)Published: Raymond Bushell (1975) Netsuke Familiar & Unfamiliar, New York/Tokyo, p. 224, no. 744 – where the netsuke is listed under the category ‘treatment of subject’.Superbly carved as the Namazu, the legendary gigantic catfish living inside the earth and causing earthquakes in Japan, and four fishermen captured in a ridiculous and futile attempt to catch the mythical fish. One man, almost only visible from the underside, is hanging on to the fish’s whiskers, while a second attempts to catch him with a comically undersized net, the third trying a hyotan (double gourd), and the fourth simply floundering below the Namazu’s head with horn-inlaid eyes. The himotoshi cleverly formed by the leg of the man on the underside. Signed to the underside of the fish’s tail CHOKUSAI with a kakihan. The ivory of an appealing color with a fine polish.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Spanish private collection.Note the finely and minutely incised details, the level of detail here being more that of an okimono than of a netsuke. A masterpiece by the highly important Tokyo school netsuke-shi Miyagi Chokusai.Davey writes on Miyagi Chokusai, “a fine artist whose work is rarely encountered. It is invariably of ivory, stained and with intricate details”.Literature comparison: Another figural netsuke by the same carver is in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number M.91.250.138.
Lot 234
GYOKUHOSAI RYUCHIN: A FINE INLAID IVORY NETSUKE WITH MARINE LIFE By Gyokuhosai Ryuchin, signed Gyokuhosai 玉費齋 with seal Ryuchin 龍珍Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid- 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 666.The ivory netsuke bean-shaped, the top marvelously inlaid with a seabream (tai) in mother-of-pearl surrounded by jadeite sea plants, and horn and mother-of-pearl shells. The side is brilliantly worked in sukashi-bori with aquatic life including a multitude of fishes, octopi and crustaceans, most with inlaid eyes. The underside with two neatly florally rimmed himotoshi and the signature GYOKUHOSAI with a carved red two-character seal RYUCHIN.LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Superb condition.Provenance: Sold at Glendining’s & Co, London, October 1936, then old Viennese private collection assembled within the same family over three generations.Gyokuhosai Ryuchin was regarded by F. Meinertzhagen as one of the most brilliant netsuke carvers of his time. His designs were original and often displayed his superior use of sukashi-bori (openwork technique). The use of inlays is rather rare and is done here sublimely.
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