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Galerie Zacke
Lot 237

HOZAN: AN INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF A YAMABUSHI MONK By Hozan, signed Hozan 法山Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)Depicting a yamabushi warrior monk wearing a tokin cap, holding a scroll and an amphora, seated before a shrine with hinged openable doors revealing a gilt-lacquered figure of Buddha inside. The wood netsuke is lavishly inlaid in ivory and bone. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside and signature HOZAN within a tsuishu-lacquered reserve.HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Superb condition, minor wear.Provenance: French private collection.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 238

TO: A WOOD AND IVORY TOKYO SCHOOL NETSUKE OF A RAKAN IN AN ALMS BOWL By a follower of Tokoku, signed To 東Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)Seated in a large alms bowl incised with a key-fret border, wearing a loose-fitting monastic robe and a sash over the left shoulder, holding a hossu (fly-whisk) in both hands, the face with neatly incised features and a calm expression. The rakan’s head, one of his hands, and the bundled hair of the hossu are carved from ivory, while the bowl, the rakan’s garments, and the hossu staff are carved from wood. The underside with two symmetrical himotoshi and the seal TO incised within an ivory-inlaid rectangular reserve.HEIGHT 3.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: British private collection.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 239

YASUTOMO: A TOKYO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A DRUNKARD By Yasutomo (Hoyu), signed Yasutomo 保友Japan, Tokyo, early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Carved standing in a dynamic posture with one leg in front of the other, leaning forwards as he carries a large double-gourd (hyotan) vessel on his back, holding a sake cup inlaid with silvered pewter in his left hand, the face with an amusing expression as he has already enjoyed a few drinks too many, his green-stained robe neatly inlaid with mother-of-pearl and pewter, the jacket incised with wave patterns. Two small horn-ringed symmetrical himotoshi flanking the signature YASUTOMO within a red lacquer-inlaid oblong tablet.HEIGHT 4.7 cmCondition: Overall good condition, the hand holding the bowl reattached with associated traces of adhesive, one of the feet with a minuscule chip, some minor old wear. Provenance: Old Austrian private collection.Yasutomo (also known as Hoyu) was active during the early 20th century and a pupil of Yasuaki, specializing in figural netsuke with red or green-stained ivory and fine inlays.Auction comparison: Compare a related netsuke by Yasutaka, dated c. 1900, of a traveling salesman carrying his merchandise, at Van Ham, Asiatische Kunst, 6 June 2015, Cologne, lot 273 (sold for 4,515 EUR).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 24

A RARE AND TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A FOREIGNER UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of slightly flattened form, boldly carved as a foreigner of European origin, with characteristic hat, grotesque expression, and long beard, lifting his robe at the hem with one hand, the other caressing his finely carved long hair. The large eyes with inlaid pupils of dark horn. The himotoshi are formed by one smaller and larger hole, both generously excavated. An early and expressive netsuke with a lot of charm. Excellent patina, particularly to the reverse.HEIGHT 11.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, natural age cracks, fine patina.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 240

TOSHIMASA: A TOKYO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A BOY TEARING APART A TAIKO DRUM By Toshimasa, signed Toshimasa 利正Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)The boy seated on the ground, wearing a checkered vest over a short-sleeved shirt, secured by a belt at the waist with a kinchaku pouch attached, the face with a gleeful expression as he tears off the skin of a taiko drum with mitsudomoe designs to either side, signed TOSHIMASA within an oval reserve to the underside of the garment.HEIGHT 3.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear, few natural age cracks.Provenance: Spanish private collection.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 241

YASUAKI: A FINE INLAID TOKYO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF URASHIMA TARO By Yasuaki (Homei), signed Yasuaki 保明 with seal Kodama 見玉Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)Depicting Urashima Taro opening the forbidden bejeweled box (tametebako), a very finely carved tortoiseshell-inlaid minogame emerging from it. Much to his bewilderment, Urashima has turned into an old man. The details finely carved and the elaborately carved robe stained in green and embellished with horn inlay. The underside with the himotoshi ringed in horn and the neatly incised signature underneath the box YASUAKI with red seal KODAMA.HEIGHT 3.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, one inlay to the robe missing.Provenance: Spanish private collection.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 242

YASUAKI: A SUPERB INLAID TOKYO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A CHUBBY BOY By Yasuaki (Homei), signed Yasuaki 保明 with seal Kodama 見玉Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)Depicting a plump boy, his hair finely inked and incised, looking upwards and laughing. He is seated somewhat bundled up, forming a compact composition, one hand placed on his thigh and the other fondling his toes, while the other leg is placed underneath his body. Note the extremely detailed carving to the chubby fingers and toes. The boy is dressed only in a fundoshi, which is inlaid in red-stained horn, the tied-up string in the back stained green. The ivory is lightly stained and superbly polished. The himotoshi underneath are ringed in horn and the signature is neatly incised on one leg YASUAKI with inlaid gold seal KODAMA – this type of seal was reserved for only the best pieces.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Superb condition.Provenance: British private collection.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 243

MORITA SOKO: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF NASAKEJI OPENING THE TREASURE BOX By Morita Soko (1879-1942), signed Soko 藻己 to 刀Japan, Tokyo, early 20th centuryA superbly carved miniature masterpiece. Depicted is Nasakeji, from the famous legend of the tongue cut sparrow (shitakiri suzume), opening the treasure box he received from the grateful sparrows, the inside revealing many treasures, much to his delight, including branches of coral and precious pearls (tama). An opened scroll tumbles out of the box, as well as ingots and coins. Lightly stained and carved with meticulous detail all around. Himotoshi through the box and signed underneath SOKO to (carved).HEIGHT 3.2 cmCondition: Perfect condition.Provenance: Australian private collection (with a valid CITES import license), purchased from Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 16 May 2013, London, lot 46 (sold for 6,250 GBP).Literature comparison:A similar wood netsuke by Morita Soko is illustrated in an article by the late Michael Strone in the 'International Netsuke Society Journal', 23/4, p. 38, fig. 21.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 246

RYUHEI: AN IVORY AND WOOD NETSUKE OF A FOX PRIEST BEATING A MOKUGYO By Asada Ryuheisai, signed Ryuhei 隆平 and kakihanJapan, Kyoto, first half of 20th centuryPublished: Lazarnick, George (1976) The Signature Book of Netsuke, Inro and Ojime in Photographs, p. 324 (only the signature is illustrated).The fox (kitsune) finely stained and carved from ivory, wearing a loose-fitting monastic robe, the eyes inlaid with horn, holding a beater in his right hand and striking the wood mokugyo with twin dragon handle and neatly incised decorations, a small rat emerging from the black and red lacquered mokugyo base, the back and underside of the fox with red lacquer-ringed himotoshi, the underside of the lacquered base with the signature RYUHEI and kakihan.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear.Provenance: European collection.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 247

ICHIRO INADA: AN INLAID IVORY NETSUKE OF DAIKOKU By Ichiro Inada (1879-1979), signed Ichiro 一郎Japan, Tokyo, early 20th centuryCarved seated, leaning against his treasure bag, which he holds in his left hand, the mallet held in his right, his loose-fitting robe finely inlaid with horn and stained bone, the hat centered by a mother-of-pearl inlay, his face with a cheerful expression, flanked by long pendulous earlobes, the underside with two small ornamental himotoshi and the signature ICHIRO within a red-lacquered rectangular reserve.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear. Provenance: European collection.Literature comparison:A similar netsuke by Inada Ichiro, formerly in the collection of George Lazarnick, is in INCS, Vol. 2, no. 3, p. 36.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 249

MICHAEL BIRCH: A WALRUS IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF FUKUROKUJU By Michael Henry Birch (1926-2008), signed with artist’s initials ‘MHB’1979Published: Birch, JKL (2013) The Art & Life of Michael Birch, p. 13 (including an old sketch of the design).Exhibited: Netsuke by Birch, London Netsuke Convention, 1980.Carved from the middle section of a large and very old tusk, the walrus ivory showing the rich color and markings of old age, while the eyes are drawn in crystal rod. Fukurokuju is depicted with a characteristically elongated head, the entire netsuke of decidedly phallic shape, with two asymmetrical himotoshi and the signature ‘MHB’ within a gold-inlaid rectangular reserve.HEIGHT 7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear, natural age cracks, fissures, and veins.Provenance: From the collection of Jonathan Birch, son of Michael Henry Birch.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 25

A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH DEER CARCASS Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An unusually expressive ivory netsuke of a Dutchman, boldly carved standing on one foot, the other leg slightly raised, jumping up with joy as he carries the carcass of a young deer over his back, the poor animal’s tongue stretched out, the Dutchman’s face with an exuberant look, the mouth wide open and revealing his tongue, the large bulging eyes inlaid with dark horn, as are the shirt buttons and hat finial, the back with two asymmetrical himotoshi.HEIGHT 7.5 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, natural age cracks, occasional light scratches, one of the (original) legs has been reattached.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection.According to Neil Davey, “There was probably a shortage of meat on Deshima, the Dutch settlement, hence the frequency of these models of Dutchmen carrying game” (Netsuke, 1974, p. 347)

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 251

MICHAEL BIRCH: THE SAMURAI By Michael Henry Birch (1926-2008), signed with artist’s initials ‘MHB’1994Published: Birch, JKL (2013) The Art & Life of Michael Birch, p. 95.Exhibited: The Carvings of Michael Henry Birch, N.K.C., New York, 1995.Michael Birch, Netsuke Carver and Sculptor, National College of Art & Design, Dublin, 1997.Exhibited & Illustrated: Tactiles by Michael Henry Birch, I.N.S.C., Boston, 2001.Netsuke Sculptures by Michael Henry Birch, I.N.S.C., Honolulu, 2004.Of flattened form, the head expressively carved from Siberian mammoth ivory, the features finely detailed in an exaggerated manner with aquiline nose, wide nostrils, slender lips pursed into a frown, deep slanted eyes, and furrowed brows. The natural patina of the outer bark has been retained on the back surface of the carving and the thickness of the tooth enamel is clearly visible. Two symmetrical himotoshi to the back, the signature ‘MHB’ within a gold-inlaid rectangular reserve to one side.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with natural veining and age cracks.Provenance: From the collection of Jonathan Birch, son of Michael Henry Birch.Some collectors consider many of the faces carved by Birch to be self-portraits, a notion which the artist strongly denied.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 255

DERKACHENKO: A BOXWOOD NETSUKE OF TWO WASPS ON A PEAR By Alexander DerkachenkoUkraine, 2020Carved as two wasps with dark horn-inlaid eyes on a partly rotten pear, the skin executed in ukibori, one of the wasps within a recess and a small movable worm inlaid with mammoth ivory peeking out of the fruit. Asymmetrical himotoshi to the reverse next to the artist signature within an oval reserve. With original felted wood box.HEIGHT 3.3 cm, WIDTH 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition.The motif carved by Derkachenko in the present netsuke is a popular subject in netsuke art and one of the favorites of the netsuke-shi Bazan, a carver of the Nagoya school active during the 19th century (see Auction comparison).Auction comparison:Compare a wood netsuke of a decayed pear by Bazan at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 14 May 2015, London, lot 38 (sold for 5,250 GBP).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 26

AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI AND FUKUROKUJU UnsignedJapan, early to mid-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting the two lucky gods performing mimikaki, a gesture of affection. Hotei is kneeling behind a recumbent Fukurokuju, cleaning his ear with an earpick, while the latter rests his large, elongated head on an uchiwa fan. A charming and well-carved netsuke with a phenomenal and unctuous golden-yellow patina, turning into a caramel-brown in some areas. Asymmetrical and generously excavated himotoshi underneath.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Good age-related condition with some wear to details and an old chip to the edge of Fukurokuju’s robe.Provenance: Ancient and important collection Albert Brockhaus (1855-1912), acquired from ‘Levin’ on 25 February 1906.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 27

AN IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF OKAME HOLDING A MUSHROOM UnsignedJapan, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Barbanson, Adrienne (1961) Fables in Ivory, pp. 72-73.Bandini, Rosemary (2014) Japanese Netsuke of the Collection of Teddy Hahn, no. 5.The Shinto goddess of mirth standing bare-chested, one foot playfully raised, holding up her skirt and a mushroom, suggestively smiling. Her hair is neatly incised and tied up, resembling another mushroom. The face is expressively carved. Large himotoshi through the back, the ivory bearing a lustrous golden patina.HEIGHT 5.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Provenance: Ex-collections Carlo Monzino, Adrienne Barbanson and Teddy Hahn.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 271

A FINE IVORY RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE WITH HO-O BIRD AND LOTUS UnsignedJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa, second half of 19th centuryThe ho-o (phoenix) bird shown in profile flying amongst dense grasses and holding a lotus sprig in its mouth. The sides densely carved with veiny lotus leaves and the reverse with an intricate geometric pattern surrounding the central himotoshi. The staining and execution are very much in the style of Rensai.DIAMETER 4.1 cmCondition: Superb condition with one age crack near the himotoshi.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 272

A STAINED IVORY RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE WITH A SHISHI EMERGING FROM A MOKUGYO Unsigned, but carved in the manner of RensaiJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa, second half of 19th centuryThe front side with a shishi emerging from a mokugyo (temple bell) with a handle in the form of two confronting dragons with a tama, a long stem with lotus flower to one side, the reverse with a large lotus leaf, pierced in the center with the ringed himotoshi above an elegantly cuved nyoi scepter.DIAMETER 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, natural age cracks.Provenance: British private collection.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 279

A FINE IVORY RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE WITH HO-O BIRD UnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Very finely carved and stained, the details highlighted in sumi-e (ink). Depicting a ho-o (phoenix) bird amongst billowing clouds, holding a sprig of lotus in its mouth, the visible eye inlaid in bone. The reverse showing the mythical bird’s elaborately crafted tail and a fine golden-brown patina.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 3

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING SARUMAWASHI WITH MONKEY UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The sarumawashi (monkey trainer) was a street artist who performed tricks with his monkey. In this very classic netsuke, the monkey trainer is depicted sleeping, with a serene facial expression, gently smiling (perhaps dreaming of an obedient monkey), while the monkey is grabbing the basket of the food behind his back. The ivory bearing a very good patina and the large himotoshi on the underside, one of them generously excavated to accommodate the knot.LENGTH 4.4 cmCondition: Very good, undamaged condition with natural age cracks.Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan c. 1980.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 30

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A NAKED MAN TYING HIS FUNDOSHI UnsignedJapan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The naked man visibly struggling to tie his fundoshi, presumably after a bath, one hand holding it in place to the front and the other grabbing the other end to the back. The wood of an appealing color with a good patina. One leg is slightly lifted, yet the netsuke stands perfectly as the endpiece of the towel supports it. Natural himotoshi.HEIGHT 7.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: US private collection. Purchased at Sotheby's, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 13 November 1985, London, lot 625.Literature comparison:This model is rather uncommon in wood, a related netsuke in ivory is in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, formerly in the Bushell collection, accession no. 91.250.167.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 306

A FINE SHIBAYAMA STYLE INLAID AND LACQUERED TAGAYASAN WOOD MANJU NETSUKE OF HOTEI AS A CHILD Unsigned Japan, second half of 19th centuryDepicting a young Hotei completely enveloped in his robe, inlaid in mother-of-pearl and red lacquer, the shoes in green-stained ivory, the head inlaid in ivory, the tagasayan ground subtly carved with a shrine or temple gate, the reverse with hiramaki-e and shishiaibori inlays of gold and red lacquer as well as ivory depicting Hotei’s sack and fan.DIAMETER 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear.Provenance: German private collection.A leguminous tree native to South-East Asia, from the medieval period onwards the tagayasan was prized in Japan for its fine-grained, durable timber.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 33

TAKETATSU: A VERY RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO CAMELS By Taketatsu, signed Taketatsu 孟辰Japan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The two dromedaries finely carved side by side, their heads resting on each others’ humps. The underside showing all eight legs in a well-executed composition, along with two himotoshi and the signature TAKETATSU.LENGTH 4.2 cm, HEIGHT 2.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with only minor surface wear.Provenance: European collection.The subject of two camels is a very rare one in netsuke art. Several other examples in wood are recorded (see Literature comparison), and likely all from the same hand, however they are all unsigned as opposed to the present netsuke.During the Edo period (1615-1868), Dutch traders occasionally brought large and exotic animals as gifts for the shogun. Drawing on their Indian Ocean trading networks, these exotic animals included tigers, parrots, ostriches, elephants, and camels.Auction comparison:Compare a similar netsuke of two camels by Yoshitomo, dated to the early 19th century, but carved from ivory in a more naturalistic manner than the present netsuke, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 11 May 2010, London, lot 211 (sold for 7,200 GBP).Literature comparison: A closely related but unsigned netsuke is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 1020. A closely related but unsigned netsuke is in the collection of the British Museum, museum number 1945,1017.533, and two more, once in the collection of Raymond and Frances Bushell, are now in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, nos. AC1998.249.2 and AC1998.249.19.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 34

A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A FOX PRIEST (HAKUZOSU) UnsignedJapan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting a kitsune (fox) disguised as a priest, almost completely enveloped in its robe, only the characteristic long face peeking out, and leaning on a cane, the hands certainly that of a human. The fox priest wears a hood in the shape of a veiny lotus leaf, and its body is unusually thick, especially when compared to the usually flattened examples of this type. Good himotoshi through the back. The ivory slightly worn with a natural and appealingly glossy patina.HEIGHT 6.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, nerve channels are visible at the top and bottom.Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan c. 1980.Hakuzosu is the name of a popular kitsune character who shapeshifted into a priest in the Kyogen play Tsurigitsune. Kitsune are creatures imbued with magical powers and are known to have the ability of shapeshifting. They are also believed to be animated by the devils.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 343

TOMOCHIKA: A RARE IVORY THREE-CASE INRO IN THE FORM OF A TEMPLE BELL AND DEPICTING BENKEI, WITH IVORY NETSUKE AND OJIME The inro by a member of the Tomochika family, signed Tomochika 友親Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)The inro impressively carved in the form of the bell of Mii-dera, with Benkei trying to carry the massive bell and a young Yoshitsune running behind him, likely they are being chased by the shrouded samurai on the other side of the inro, all surmounted by a coiled dragon writhing around a magic jewel (tama) inlaid in coral, cleverly masking the nerve plug and natural cracks. With a finely carved ivory ojime in the form of Daruma and an ivory netsuke of a resting farmer.HEIGHT 8 cm (the inro), HEIGHT 4.2 cm (the netsuke), HEIGHT 1.6 cm (the ojime)Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, few minuscule chips to edges, small natural age cracks.Provenance: British collection.According to legend, the bell of Mii-dera temple in Kyoto was stolen once by the famous warrior monk Benkei, who dragged it up to the summit of Mount Hiei. There, he tried to strike it and was angered when the bell rang, “eeno eeno”, which means “I want to go back” in the Kansai dialect. Benkei then threw the bell down to the bottom of the valley, causing it quite some damage which has remained to this day.Accurate biographical information about Benkei's career is difficult to obtain, mainly because the legends of his exploits are so deeply entrenched in Japanese Mythology. Benkei will forever be the companion of Japan's greatest folk hero, Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-1189) and the passing years will enhance rather than diminish his status, further clouding his role during the political intrigue between Yoshitsune and his brother, Yoritomo.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 35

A CHARMING SMALL IVORY NETSUKE OF CHOKARO'S HORSE IN A GOURD UnsignedJapan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A charming old ivory netsuke showing Chokaro Sennin’s horse emerging from a hyotan (double gourd), half of its well-carved body shown. Note the fine yellowish patina, with spots of amber color, and the large, asymmetrical, and generously excavated himotoshi underneath.LENGTH 3 cmCondition: Very good condition with old natural age cracks.Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan c. 1980. Old, faded museum number on the underside.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 350

KEIGYOKU: A FINE IVORY KISERUZUTSU DEPICTING RAKANS AND DRAGON By Keigyoku, signed Keigyoku 桂玉Japan, second half of 19th centuryOf muso-zutsu type and worked in high relief and sunken relief, the details very finely engraved. Depicted are two rakan, one seated and leaning on a root wood table, a kenchi (gantha) bell placed on the surface, and holding a nyoi (ruyi) sceptre, a large vase with lotus behind him. Another rakan (probably Handaka Sonja) is standing, prayer beads hanging from his arm, and holding an alms bowl from which a dragon emerges, its body breaking through the clouds. The cord attachment in the form of a curved reishi fungus and the signature neatly incised in the back KEIGYOKU.LENGTH 22.5 cmCondition: Good condition with some age cracks. The inserted piece with a crack and some damage to the end (hidden away inside the lower part).Provenance: German private collection.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 355

TEIZAN: A SHIBAYAMA INLAID KIRI (PAULOWNIA) WOOD TONKOTSU DEPICTING A KINGFISHER By Teizan, signed Teizan 貞山Japan, Tokyo, end of 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely inlaid with mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, horn, bone, lacquer, malachite, and ivory, depicting to one side a kingfisher in flight over a pond with aquatic plants and to the other a butterfly fluttering above blossoms, buds, and leaves. The wood of attractive grain and color. The cover with two bone-ringed cord holes. One side with the signature TEIZAN within a rectangular mother-of-pearl reserve.HEIGHT 7.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, an old repair to the kingfisher tail inlay.Provenance: French private collection, old collection label.Auction comparison: Compare a related tonkotsu by the same artist, depicting a crane amid flowers, erroneously dated to the Edo period, at Christie’s, Japanese Art and Design, 13 July 2006, London, lot 518 (part lot, sold for 2,160 GBP).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 36

AN OLD IVORY NETSUKE OF A TURTLE WITH YOUNG UnsignedJapan, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868)The adult turtle retreated inside its carapace, the young climbing up onto its back. The ivory of an appealing yellowish color with many age cracks. Large himotoshi underneath.LENGTH 5.4 cmCondition: Several natural age cracks. There is an added signature underneath. Generally, in good age-related condition.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 38

YOSHITOMO: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO FROGS WRESTLING ON A LOTUS LEAF By Yoshitomo, signed Yoshitomo 吉友Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Barry Davies Oriental Art (2002) Netsuke & Inro from European Collections, p. 16, no. 7.Two frogs locked in combat on a veiny and crumpled lotus leaf, their long legs straining to maintain grip on the slippery surface. Their markings are boldly stippled, and the large eyes are inlaid in dark-reddish horn. The ivory bearing a very good patina. The himotoshi formed by the stalk of the lotus leaf underneath and signed within a typical oval reserve YOSHITOMO.LENGTH 6.4 cmCondition: One leg restored. Otherwise good condition with few age cracks and a fine patina.Provenance: Sotheby's, 19 June 2001, London, lot 27 (sold for 7,680 GBP). Purchased by Barry Davies Oriental Art.Auction comparison:A related netsuke by Yoshinaga was recently sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 27 March 2020, Vienna, lot 28 (sold for 4,204.80 EUR).Literature comparison:Compare with a single frog on lotus by Yoshitomo in Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 60, no. 146.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 39

YOSHINAGA: A LARGE AND EXCEPTIONAL IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECLINING SARUMAWASHI WITH MONKEY By Yoshinaga, signed Yoshinaga 吉長Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A larger than usual model, sprawling on the ground and leaning on one elbow, with his monkey seated on his sack. His kimono is incised with a typical check pattern, his surcoat with characteristic chrysanthemums, the jacket of his monkey with clouds. The underside is particularly attractive, with very delicately carved feet, distinctive of the master. The trainer's eyes are inlaid in dark horn. Two asymmetrical himotoshi to the underside, the larger one generously excavated, signed YOSHINAGA within an oval reserve to the underside of the sack.LENGTH 7.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, natural age cracks.Provenance: Nio Gallery, England (advertised in the INCS Journal, vol. 24, no. 2 (2004), p. 23), then in private Japanese and UK collections.Literature comparison: A related ivory netsuke by the same carver is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen / Lazarnick (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 990. The quality and size best compares to a similar netsuke by Yoshinaga in Sydney Moss Ltd. (1993) Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins: Japanese Netsuke for Connoisseurs, no. 10.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 40

YOSHITOMO: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF JUROJIN AND DEER By Yoshitomo, signed Yoshitomo 吉友Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Jurojin is laughing jovially whilst leaning on a proudly reclining deer. Both pupils are inlaid at the corners, creating a comical effect, typical for the artist. Jurojin’s robe is incised with floral patterns and the cord attachment runs through one of the deer’s finely carved legs, which are neatly tucked underneath its body. Signed within an oval reserve YOSHITOMO.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: The ivory slightly worn, more so in the front than in the back.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.Jurojin is the lucky god of longevity, thus often accompanied by a deer, also a symbol of longevity.Literature comparison: A very similar netsuke is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 996.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 41

OKAKOTO: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI WITH KARAKO By Okakoto, signed Okakoto 岡言Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Smiling and facing ahead, supporting a small boy on his back, his loose robe belted at the waist, baring his chest and distended stomach, holding a fan in his left hand, the ears with long pendulous lobes, two asymmetrical himotoshi to the back, beside the signature OKAKOTO within a rectangular reserve.HEIGHT 6.8 cmCondition: Good condition, fine patina to back, attractively worn, the feet with old repairs (as is often the case with this type).Provenance: German private collection, acquired at Van Ham, Asiatische Kunst, 9 June 2016, Cologne, lot 2332 (sold for 1,226 EUR).Auction comparison:Compare to a related netsuke by Okanobu at Bonhams, The Bluette H. Kirchhoff Collection of Netsuke and Sagemono, 16 September 2009, New York, lot 2003 (sold for 5,368 USD).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 42

A POWERFUL KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND ONI UnsignedJapan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The demon queller standing, stroking his beard inquisitively as he suspects the presence of a mischievous oni, which is hiding on his large hat. His sword is drawn and swiftly pointing downwards, ready to strike, his sleeve flowing upwards as a result. The ivory bearing a gorgeous honey-yellow patina, particularly in the back. Typical and large himotoshi. Unsigned but attributed to the Kyoto school, most likely from the circle of hands around Okatomo or Okakoto.HEIGHT 7.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with expected age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Robert Sandfort, France (by repute). Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, sold at Lempertz, 5 June 2015, Cologne, lot 1052 (sold for 1,922 EUR).Auction comparison:Compare to a related ivory netsuke by Okakoto sold at Christies, Japanese Art and Design, 12 May 2010, London, lot 1 (sold for 10,625 GBP).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 44

A FINE KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A SMALL RAT ON A STRAW HAT UnsignedJapan, Kyoto, 18th century to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The small rat with dark inlaid eyes emerging from a straw hat (kasa), having gnawed its way through from the underside with its tail and part of its body still visible, the straw, fur, and other details finely incised, the himotoshi to the underside cleverly incorporated into the design.DIAMETER 4.5 cm, HEIGHT 1.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with a fine patina, attractively worn.Provenance: German private collection.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 45

OKATOMO: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT WITH CANDLE By Yamaguchi Okatomo, signed Okatomo 岡友Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A charming ivory netsuke of a rat holding a candle between its front paws, the wick inlaid in dark horn, and raising its left hind paw to scratch its ear. The fur is neatly incised and the very well-carved tail curls around underneath, functioning as the cord attachment. The large eyes are inlaid in lustrous black horn, giving life to the little rodent. The slightly worn ivory with a fine, glossy patina.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Good condition. Some natural age cracks and a small chip to the right hind paw which grabs the tail.Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan c. 1980.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 46

OKATORI: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT EATING A CANDLE By Yamaguchi Okatori, signed Okatori 岡隹Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved and stained, the rat crouching and gnawing at a candle held in its front paws, the wick and eyes inlaid with dark buffalo horn, the fur neatly incised, the tail curling to the underside and forming the himotoshi, the signature OKATORI to the back at the base of the tail within a rectangular reserve.HEIGHT 2.6 cm, LENGTH 3.9 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Collection of Collingwood ‘Cherry’ Ingram (1880-1981), and thence by descent in the same family to the present owner. Cherry Ingram was a famous British ornithologist, plant collector, and gardener, who became renowned for his knowledge of Japanese cherry trees. He is the subject of a biography by Naoko Abe, published in 2019, titled ‘Cherry’ Ingram, The Englishman Who Saved Japan’s Blossoms.Auction comparison:Compare a related netsuke by the same carver, depicting a rat nibbling at fruit, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 48 (sold for 13,750 GBP).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 47

OKAKOTO: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO MONKEYS By Yamaguchi Okakoto, signed Okakoto 岡言Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The two monkeys seated, one male and the other female, grooming themselves and each other, their fur finely incised and inked, their legs and feet well placed to the underside, forming many ‘natural’ himotoshi, their facial features neatly detailed, one of the legs with the signature OKAKOTO to the underside. Superb golden-brown patina.LENGTH 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and natural age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Karl-Ludwig Kley.Okakoto was an important member of the Kyoto school, a pupil of Yamaguchi Okatomo, and teacher to Okatori.Literature comparison: A closely related netsuke by Okatori is illustrated in Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 77, no. 203. The same netsuke is illustrated in Sydney Moss Ltd (1993) Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins: Japanese Netsuke for Connoisseurs, no. 23, and Sydney Moss Ltd (2004) Outside the Box, pp. 60-61, no. 28.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 48

OKATOMO: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO QUAILS ON MILLET By Yamaguchi Okatomo, signed Okatomo 岡友Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A classic model by Okatomo depicting two quails, side by side and facing in different directions, perched on two large heads of leafy millet, one of the leaves forming the himotoshi underneath and housing the signature OKATOMO. Both birds with neatly incised plumage and minutely inlaid eyes of dark horn.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Adrienne Barbanson, purchased in Kyoto in 1956 and sold at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from the Adrienne Barbanson Collection, 13 May 2013, London, lot 30 (sold for 7,250 GBP).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 51

TOMOTADA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX Signed Tomotada 友忠Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A fine and powerfully crafted ivory netsuke of a recumbent ox with its head turned to the right, the eyes carefully inlaid in dark horn giving life to the expression. The bulky animal has a powerfully ridged spine and thick, curved horns. A rope halter passes through the nose ring, over the horns and up around over its back, pleasingly worn at the highest points. The underside shows a gorgeous deep yellow-honey patina, smooth to the touch and appealingly glossy. Generously excavated and asymmetrical himotoshi on the underside, in-between the signature in a rectangular reserve TOMOTADA.LENGTH 5.8 cmCondition: Several natural age cracks. A section of the left ear and the tail is restored.Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan c. 1980.Auction comparison:Compare to a netsuke signed Tomotada, described as carved from sperm whale tooth, showing very similar age cracks and an almost identical underside, was sold at Van Ham, Asian Art, 3 December 2015, Cologne, lot 2320 (sold for 10,320 EUR).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 52

TOMOTADA: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A WOLF WITH HAUNCH OF VENISON By Tomotada, signed Tomotada 友忠Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as an emaciated wolf seated snarling as he traps the haunch of a deer beneath his paw, the fur rendered with finely etched lines and stained dark, the eyes inlaid in dark horn, the signature TOMOTADA finely incised within a rectangular reserve to the underside of one of the hind paws.HEIGHT 3.5 cm, LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, natural age cracks.Provenance: German private collection.Literature comparison: A closely related netsuke by Tomotada is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 29.100.918, and another is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen / Lazarnick (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 917.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke by Tomotada, of slightly larger size, at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 16 September 2003, New York, lot 247 (sold for 9,560 USD), and a related netsuke by Tomotada of a wolf with a clam at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 17 May 2018, London, lot 92 (sold for 9,000 GBP).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 53

TOMOTADA: AN EXCEPTIONAL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TIGRESS AND CUB By Izumiya Tomotada, signed Tomotada 友忠Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A powerful and superb carving. The adult tigress with dark horn-inlaid eyes resting her right foreleg on her cub as it licks one of its hind paws, her tail elegantly curved over her arched back, the fur, muscles, and spine finely inked and incised. Many natural himotoshi due to the openwork nature of the netsuke, one of the tigress’ hind paws incised with the signature TOMOTADA within a faint rectangular reserve.HEIGHT 3.8 cm, LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, natural age cracks, the ivory attractively worn with a fine patina.Provenance: Australian private collection (with a valid CITES export license), acquired from Rosemary Bandini.Literature comparison: A closely related ivory netsuke by the same carver is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen / Lazarnick (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 918, and another is illustrated in Neil Davey (1974) Netsuke, p. 67, no. 172. Two further examples are illustrated in Barry Davies Oriental Art (1990) Netsuke Classics, nos. 23 and 24. For other examples, see Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, p. 58, no. 163, and Nihon Netsuke Kenkyukai ed. (2005) Netsuke: Condensed Culture of Edo, p. 27, no. 16.Auction comparison:Compare a related netsuke depicting a tiger and two cubs by the same carver at Christie’s, Art of Japan, 8 December 2016, London, lot 3 (sold for 42,500 GBP). Compare also with a closely related netsuke by the same carver at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 126 (sold for 27,500 GBP).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 54

RANICHI: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A TIGER WITH YOUNG By Ranichi, signed Ranichi 蘭一Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A finely carved ivory netsuke, very similar to no. 55 by Hakuryu, depiciting a tiger protectively placing a paw on its young, looking backwards and snarling. The eyes of both are inlaid in pale translucent horn with the pupils placed wide apart. The fur is neatly incised, attractively worn, and both tails are swinging dynamically along the adult tiger’s back. Note also the powerfully carved shoulder bones. Signed within an elliptical reserve RANICHI – a pupil of Hogen Rantei and evidently close to Unsho Hakuryu I. The ivory bearing a very fine patina.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with a stunning patina and some expected natural age cracks.Provenance: French private collection.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 55

HAKURYU I: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A TIGER AND CUB By Unsho Hakuryu I, signed Hakuryu 白龍Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, the adult resting one large paw protectively over its cub and baring its very sharp teeth with the mouth wide open. The stripes are stained black, appearing like running black paint somewhat similar to the Otoman tiger’s fur coats, and the eyes are inlaid in buffalo horn, those of the adult double inlays in pale and dark horn. The eye pupils are placed typically wide apart, resulting in the idiosyncratic ‘crazed’ expression. Natural himotoshi and the underside with the signature HAKURYU within an oval reserve. The ivory bearing a stunning color with a fine orange-yellow patina.LENGTH 3.7 cm, HEIGHT 3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, some loss to staining, attractively worn with a fine honey-gold patina.Provenance: Elly Nordskog Collection, sold by Sydney Moss Ltd., then Australian private collection (with a valid CITES import license).Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke by the same artist at Sotheby’s, Japanese and Korean Works of Art, 14 July 2005, London, lot 1090 (sold for 11,040 GBP). Also compare to a similar netsuke recently sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 27 March 2020, Vienna, lot 47 (sold for 15,990 EUR).Literature comparison: A closely related ivory netsuke by the same carver is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen / Lazarnick (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 120.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 58

A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF A DRAGON, ATTRIBUTED TO MITSUHARU Attributed to Mitsuharu, unsignedJapan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Displaying all the signature traits of Mitsuharu and depicting a two-horned coiled dragon on an upturned alms bowl with dense clouds carved on the surface in high relief. The dragon has inlaid eyes of dark horn, an upturned snout as it ferociously snarls, and typically carved flames emanating from its body. The underside is generously excavated so that the netsuke could also be used as an ashtray. Natural himotoshi.LENGTH 3.3 cmCondition: Very good, undamaged condition with some natural age cracks and fine, yellowish patina.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.Literature comparison:There does not appear to be any netsuke of dragons which are in fact signed Mitsuharu, however a number can be confidently attributed to the artist. See for example two dragons in International Netsuke Society Journal (Spring 2019) Vol. 39, no.1, p. 20, nos. 25-26.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 6

AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF A HERMIT CRAB AND SHELLS Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The functional netsuke of compact form, depicting a crab emerging from a hamaguri clam supported on two closed shells, the underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi, one of which is particularly large. The ivory with a fine and deep yellow patina.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear, small natural age cracks, few minuscule nicks.Provenance: European collection.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 60

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A DOG WITH BALL, ATTRIBUTED TO MITSUHARU Attributed to Mitsuharu, unsignedJapan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A dynamically crafted ivory netsuke of a male dog wearing a large collar, twisting its body and turning its head backwards with an upturned snout. The expression is quite whimsical with minutely inlaid eyes of lustrous dark horn. It holds a large smooth ball between its front paws and has a short curling tail. The fur is neatly incised and inked, heavily worn from generations of handling. The ivory bearing a fine yellowish patina. Natural himotoshi.HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Good condition, the inked details worn, some natural age cracks.Provenance: European collection.Auction comparison:Compare with a related ivory netsuke of a bitch with pup, signed Mitsuharu, sold at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part I, 8 November 2016, London, lot 113 (sold for 9,375 GBP).Literature comparison:See a discussion of the artist and his netsuke of dogs see INSJ, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 14.-15. Three typical traits are noted: a dynamically twisted neck, rubbery legs and very particular eyes. These characteristics are all present in this netsuke, note also the two slits carved at the edges of the eyes and the small pupils.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 62

GECHU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI WITH BALL Signed Gechu 牙虫Japan, Kyoto or Osaka, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved seated, with dark inlaid pupils, the flaming tail and mane finely incised and the muscles and spine neatly detailed, its head turned to the left with a loose ball in its open mouth as it protects a large smooth ball beneath its forepaws. Many ‘natural’ himotoshi between the limbs or tail and the ball, one hind paw signed GECHU to the underside. The ivory of a very appealing color with a fine patina.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, occasional light scratches, small natural age cracks, and one plugged nerve channel.Provenance: German private collection, acquired from Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 11 May 2017, London, lot 30 (sold for 2,500 GBP).Gechu is a somewhat enigmatic carver of netsuke, in that little is known of him, including his residence. For many years he has been thought to have lived in Osaka, mainly based upon the similarity of his work to that of Risuke Garaku of that city. Recently it has been suggested by Alain Ducros that he may well have been domiciled in Satsuma Province on the island of Kyushu (Alain Ducros, Satsuma Ivory Netsuke, INSJ, Vol. 36, no. 2, Summer 2016, pp. 20-29). The present netsuke also shows affinities with Shishi carved by Mitsuharu (see Auction comparison).Auction comparison: Compare with a related ivory netsuke of a shishi by Mitsuharu, dated to the early 19th century, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 10 November 2011, London, lot 56 (sold for 8,750 GBP).Literature comparison: A related ivory netsuke of a shishi by Gechu, dated to the 18th century, is in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number AC1998.249.136.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 65

A RARE AND SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF RYUJIN WITH TAMA, ATTRIBUTED TO SANKO Unsigned Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved standing on both feet with the knees slightly bent as he lifts a pierced tama with a loose ball inside (magic jewel) with both hands over his head, his loose-fitting robe neatly incised with geometric decorations and scrolling cloud designs, the face with an enigmatic expression and well detailed features, the mouth slightly open showing two central teeth, the back with two asymmetrical and generously excavated himotoshi.HEIGHT 7.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, few natural age cracks.Provenance: European collection.Auction comparison: Compare an ivory netsuke of Seiobo, inscribed Tametaka and attributed to Sanko, dated to the early 19th century, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part I, 8 November 2016, London, lot 16 (sold for 6,875 GBP).Literature comparison: An ivory netsuke attributed to Sanko and depicting the same subject, though smaller and considerably less fine, is illustrated in Rutherston & Bandini (2013) Japanese Netsuke, no.10. Also compare to a signed netsuke by Sanko, showing very similar faces, of Ikkaku Sennin and Lady of Benares, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 693.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 66

KOGYOKU: AN OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A LUNAR HARE POUNDING MOCHI By Kogyoku, signed Kogyoku 光玉Japan, Osaka, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting a lunar hare or moon rabbit diligently pounding mochi inside a mortar. The mythical animal is wearing jacked and a hachimaki (headband), the large eyes inlaid in dark horn. The ivory finely stained and attractively worn. Himotoshi through the back and signed within a wavy reserve on the mortar KOGYOKU – possibly corresponding to Anrakusai, who used the go Kogyoku according to Ueda Reikichi. HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear to incised and inked details.Provenance: Belgian private collection, acquired at Kyoto Gallery, Brussels, September 1987.This popular motif originates in China, where the rabbit is often portrayed as a companion of the Moon goddess Chang’e, constantly pounding the elixir of life for her. In the Japanese variation, the lunar hare is often seen pounding mochi, as in the present netsuke.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 67

A CHARMING OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A SQUIRREL ON A LEAF UnsignedJapan, Osaka, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868)The squirrel leaning against a branch and sitting on a large veiny leaf. The head is turned back inquisitively, the large eye-cabochons inlaid in dark lustrous horn. The fur is minutely incised and inked, appealingly worn. A second darker stained leaf curls around on the underside where the himotoshi are located. The pine bark pattern on the branch is very typical of Osaka animal netsuke.LENGTH 5.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with age cracks and surface wear.Provenance: Private collection, purchased at Sotheby’s, 20 June 2002, London, lot 633.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 68

GARAKU: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A FISHERGIRL WITH GIANT AWABI By Risuke Garaku, signed Garaku 雅乐Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, Vol. 1, pp. 184-185, no. K690.A superbly carved ivory netsuke of a fisher girl or ama, naked but for a skirt, leaning on a gigantic awabi shell, a small hook in her right hand. She is visibly pleased with her find, laughing and fondling the shell. The awabi is carved naturalistically, showing the typical openings and finely incised lines stained with sumi-e (ink). The underside shows a deep yellow-orange and lustrous patina, as well as the ear-shaped structure which give the awabi the nickname “ear shell”. One himotoshi underneath the fisher girl and the other larger one next to the signature within an irregular oval reserve GARAKU.LENGTH 4.9 cmCondition: Superb condition with a stunning lustrous patina. Some natural age cracks and wear to sumi-e stained details.Provenance: Julius & Arlette Katchen collection, Paris. Then sold by Rutherston & Bandini to an English private collector.Netsuke of human figures are exceptionally rare by this Soken Kisho artist.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 69

RAKU: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF JUROJIN WITH DEER By Raku, signed Raku 乐Japan, Osaka, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, Vol. 1, pp. 186-187, no. K756.The lucky god smiling, holding a cane and the antler of his companion stag which lies before him, nestling close and looking up, the large eyes inlaid in dark lustrous horn. The ivory is lightly stained and smoothly polished – both very typical for the Osaka school around Risuke Garaku. Himotoshi through the back and signature RAKU within a wavy reserve underneath.HEIGHT 5.9 cmCondition: Very good condition. Some minor surface wear and natural age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Julius and Arlette Katchen, Paris.Literature comparison:The name Raku is associated with artists trained by, or associated with, Risuke Garaku of Osaka, working around 1800 and later. For a very similar example, see, Victor Harris (1987) Hull Grundy Collection in the British Museum, p. 26, no. 24.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 7

GYOKUSEN: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF THE FUKURA SUZUME (PUFFED-UP SPARROW) By Gyokusen, signed Gyokusen 玉仙Japan, probably Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of typical form, with short stubby wings and short erect tail, the eyes inlaid in black horn, the clawed feet carved in shishiaibori (sunken relief), the signature GYOKUSEN between one of the feet and wings, the underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi, the larger generously excavated.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear, natural age cracks.Provenance: European collection. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a sparrow, by Tomoharu and of larger size, at Bonhams, Netsuke from a European Private Collection, 8 May 2016, London, lot 40 (sold for 3,000 GBP).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 70

DORAKU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A DANCING DRUNKARD By Doraku, signed Doraku 道乐Japan, Osaka, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Standing in a dynamic posture with one foot raised, holding a small striking stick in one hand and an emptied upturned double gourd in the other, his expression revealing his advanced state of inebriation. The wide-apart eyes, lustrous staining, and use of sumi-e (ink) are typical of Osaka school netsuke. The reverse with two asymmetrical himotoshi and the signature DORAKU within an oval reserve.HEIGHT 7 cmCondition: Good condition with minor surface wear, few natural age cracks, one chip to the collar.Provenance: German private collection.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 71

DORAKU: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO WRESTLING DRUNKS By Doraku, signed Doraku 道乐Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Bandini, Rosemary (2001) Expressions of Style, Netsuke as Art, Scholten Japanese Art, New York, p. 27, no. 25.Bandini, Rosemary (2006) Tiny Titans, p. 58, no. 67.Lightly stained and finely carved depicting two kneeling drunks, slumped up against each other as they lock themselves in a sumo-like struggle. They are only wearing a fundoshi and their tonsured hair is drawn up into knotted mage. Each has a stubble stippled chin, and their hairy limbs are enhanced with light sumi-e stain. Their left hands have both secured a belt grip, but one has also clinched his opponent’s neck in a headlock, the unfortunate underdog grimacing at his predicament. The overwhelming impression, though, is that neither really has the strength to bring their competition to a conclusion, their rather skinny bodies betraying an alcohol-induced lassitude. Natural himotoshi and signed within a wavy oval reserve – DORAKU.HEIGHT 3.4 cm, LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition. Some age cracks and wear to inked details.Provenance: Ex-collection Karl-Ludwig Kley.Whereas the sumo wrestler is only permitted to touch the ground with his feat, this pair grapples with each other in a kneeling position. This along with their severely inebriated expressions points to this being a drunken game.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 72

ANRAKU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A PIGEON ON A ROOFTILE By Shukosai Anraku, signed Anraku 安乐Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 32, no. 55.Rutherston & Bandini (2013) Japanese Netsuke, no. 42.A lightly stained ivory netsuke of a pigeon perched on a rooftile, the end carved in sunken relief with a triple comma, mitsutomo-e. The feathers are neatly engraved and stained with sumi-e, providing an appealing contrast to the smooth, carefully polished body of the bird. The large eyes are inlaid in lustrous dark horn. Himotoshi through the rooftile and signed underneath in neatly incised characters ANRAKU.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection M. M Hepworth and M.T. Hindson, sold at Sotheby’s, 25 November 1968, London, lot 738. Then collection B. Gilbert and Raymond and Frances Bushell, sold at Sotheby’s, Japanese Works of Arts, Prints and Paintings, 20 June 2002, London, lot 633 (sold for 3,055 GBP).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 73

ANRAKU: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI WITH BALL By Shukosai Anraku, signed Anraku 安樂Japan, Osaka, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 4.The Buddhist lion standing in an alert stance on top of a large ball, its curly mane and bushy tail boldly carved and stained with sumi (ink), the eyes inlaid in dark horn. The ball is engraved with two further shishi amongst rockwork, snarling up at the shishi on top. The ivory is lightly stained, and the surface is elaborately worked with stippling and sumi, typical for the artist. Natural himotoshi and signed within a rectangular reserve framed by a cross-etched circle – ANRAKU.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Superb condition with hardly any wear.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection assembled within the same family over three generations.Auction comparison: Another shishi by Anraku was recently sold at Lempertz, Netsuke from the Albert Brockhaus Collection, 27 June 2020, Cologne, lot 524 (sold for 5,500 EUR).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 76

MITSUHIRO: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF AN OKAME MASK INSIDE AN EARTHENWARE BOWL By Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875), signed Mitsuhiro 光廣 saku 作Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The mask of characteristic form carved in relief with full cheeks dwarfing the eyes, nose, and mouth in size, beside the incised and inked inscription [prosperity and long life] followed by a seal [virtue]. The exterior of the bowl (or underside of the netsuke) with a leaf-shaped decoration finely executed in ishime, with two symmetrical himotoshi, the central one below the signature MITSUHIRO saku (made) within a rectangular reserve.DIAMETER 3.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, natural age cracks, most likely already present during carving and intentionally obscured by the ink.Provenance: German private collection.The masterful use of sumi-e (ink), cleverly hiding two age cracks, is used here to simulate the leaf decorations seen on earthenware bowls from the Jizhou kilns during the Song dynasty (960-1279), is highly characteristic of this important artist. The design of this netsuke was recorded by Mitsuhiro in his notebook and later published in Mitsuhiro / Mikoshiba, Misao (transl.) (2001) Takarabukuro: A Netsuke Artist Notebook, p. 39, no. 30:“Earthenware Vessel and Ofuku. Carve the mask of Ofuku tilted slightly to one side. Inscribe the following on the earthenware vessel: “Prosperity and Long Life.” Carve a seal reading “Virtue” inside the vessel. A place for a cord-knot can be opened at the back of the mask.”Literature comparison:A related ivory netsuke by the same carver is in the collection of the British Museum (not illustrated, described as “Netsuke. Okame mask inside a dish. Made of ivory.”), museum number HG.544. A related ivory netsuke by Masahiro, dated to the mid-19th century, is illustrated in Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A Comprehensive Study Based on The M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 48, no. 109.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 77

MITSUHIRO: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF FUKUROKUJU Signed Mitsuhiro 光廣Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting the lucky god Fukurokuju almost completely enveloped in his robe, except for his large, phallic forehead. A natural crack in the ivory is cleverly disguised with a piece of folded paper running along his cranium. The ivory lightly stained, the details finely rendered, and the robe incised with scrolling patterns, attractively worn. Large himotoshi through the underside and back, the larger one generously excavated to accommodate the knot. Signed in the back with neatly incised characters MITSUHIRO – most likely a very able pupil of Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875).HEIGHT 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.

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