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Lot 512
NETSUKE ETC. A small wooden dog netsuke & one other netsuke, signed. Also, two 'scrimshaw' napkin rings. Please note that all items in this auction are previously owned & are offered on behalf of a private vendor. If detail on condition is required on any lot(s) PLEASE ASK FOR A CONDITION REPORT BEFORE BIDDING. The absence of a condition report does not imply the lot is perfect.WE CAN SHIP THIS LOT, but NOT if part of a large, multiple lots purchase.
Lot 586
FOUR BOXES AND LOOSE CERAMICS, GLASS, METALWARES, ORIENTAL AND SUNDRY ITEMS, to include a Spode Blue Tower egg shaped trinket box, four Coalport Countryware bowls, a Rosenthal Bettina Pariser Fruhling bowl, a Villeroy & Boch French Garden dish, a Sadler Indian Tree teapot, a nineteenth century lustreware jug (sd), a cream ostrich feather and faux tortoiseshell fan, a swan quill pen by E Wolff & Sons, a bone letter opener holding pen nibs, a pair of boot hooks, a carved wooden spoon, chandelier lustres, a netsuke in the form of a cat in a basket with a mouse, a carved stone lion, a Wembley 1924 British Empire Exhibition brass pin dish, a brass drawer handle plate engraved 'M T, Xmas 1878', Japanese dolls, Tilt's Miniature Almanack for 1846, a Border Fine Arts Beatrix Potter BP5 Hunca Munca and the Babies, pressed glass vases, drinking glasses, bowls and jug, a tin of buttons, etc (sd) (4 BOXES + LOOSE)
Lot 84
MASAKA: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF AN ONI APPLYING MOXABy Kihodo Masaka, signed Masaka 正香Japan, Osaka, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Published: Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 1, p. 705. The oni applying burning pellets to his leg in the self-application of moxibustion, a particularly painful form of acupuncture-related homeopathic treatment – his marvelous expression indicates just how painful it can be. The moxa pellets are inlaid, as are his eye pupils, in dark horn. A bowl of charcoal sits at the demon's side, for heating the moxa. The underside well carved, the two pouches inscribed Hiuchi ('flint') and Mogusa (a paste when ignited supposedly relieves aching muscles), the signature MASAKA within an oval reserve. Note the fine manner of staining and precise incision work. HEIGHT 3.9 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.Kihodo Masaka is regarded as one of the greatest carvers of netsuke and okimono, particularly during the Meiji period. He was favored by the aristocracy and Japanese royalty, one of his works (a cake plate decorated with a bag of hundred rats) was even purchased by the Meiji emperor in 1889.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of an oni applying moxa by Masaka, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (1993) Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins, no. 92.Auction comparison:Compare a related ivory okimono of three oni fighting by Kihodo Masaka, 5.7 cm high, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 19 March 2013, New York, lot 2257 (sold for 13,750 USD). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 63
MITSUHARU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A SNARLING SHISHIBy Mitsuharu, signed Mitsuharu 光春Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved seated, its head turned back to the right in a typical attitude as it protects a large ball with all paws, the bulging eyes with dark-inlaid pupils, the curled mane and fur neatly incised, the mouth slightly agape revealing tongue and teeth, the back and underside with large and generously excavated himotoshi, the underside of the ball with the signature MITSUHARU within an oval reserve. The ivory bearing an unusual, attractive cream-colored patination.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, expected age cracks, few small nicks.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Literature comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a shishi with ball by Mitsuharu, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 532.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a shishi with ball by Mitsuharu at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 10 November 2011, London, lot 56 (sold for 8,750 GBP). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 27
A RARE MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A TANUKI IN MID-TRANSFORMATIONUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The mischievous tanuki in half-human, half-animal form, wearing a priest's robe while one half of his body is still covered with lotus leaves, holding one in front of his body in an unsuccessful attempt to obscure his gigantic scrotum, the face with a grotesque expression, one eye inlaid with dark horn, the back with two generously excavated himotoshi.HEIGHT 6.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear due to extensive handling over a long period of time, few minuscule nicks, and expected age cracks. Fine, smooth, honey-yellow patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.This netsuke shows the ability of the tanuki to transform into human shape. Here he is depicted in mid-transformation, combining human and animal elements. The tanuki (often mistakenly referred to as raccoon-dog or as a badger) has perhaps received the most attention in legend and in depictions in Japanese art. He is usually regarded as mischievous and is frequently associated with the fox, for both characters perform similar kinds of magical tricks, and both have the ability to transform themselves into human form to deceive or annoy people.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related but later unsigned netsuke of a tanuki priest, depicted in largely the same manner as the present lot, dated mid-19th century, in the Museum Kunstpalast, Duesseldorf, object number mkp.P 2005-232.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 258
A FINE STAG ANTLER KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE OF WITH RAIN DRAGON (AMARYU) AND REISHI UnsignedJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, second half of 19th centuryThe beautifully marbled stag antler bowl inset with an openworked disc, very finely carved with a snarling rain dragon holding a large reishi-scepter and grasping its long mane with one clawed limb. Central himotoshi in the back, the cord attachment to the back of the disc.DIAMETER 4.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition, some minor 'imperfections' to the material.Provenance: Ex-collection Richard R. Silverman, purchased from Otsuki, Kyoto, in 1976. Richard R. Silverman (1932-2019) was a renowned Asian art collector with one of the largest private collections of netsuke outside of Japan. He lived in Tokyo between 1964 and 1979 and began to collect netsuke there in 1968. Since the 1970s, he wrote and lectured about netsuke and was an Asian art consultant for Christie's, Sotheby's, and Bonhams. His gift of 226 ceramic netsuke to the Toledo Museum of Art constitutes perhaps the largest public collection of these miniature clay sculptures in the world. After moving to California, Silverman became a member of the Far Eastern Art Council at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1984. In 1993, he joined LACMA's Executive Board. He served on the board of directors for the International Society of Appraisers from 1986 to 1994 and served nine years as chair for the City of West Hollywood Fine Arts Commission. Richard Silverman was posthumously awarded the Order of the Rising Sun for his decades-long promotion of Japanese culture.
Lot 201
TOMAN: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A FUGUBy Fujiwara Toman (Santo), signed Santo 山東Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A compact, well carved wood netsuke depicting a fugu (blowfish) in a defensive state, its body puffed to a ball, the beak-like mouth and double inlaid eyes producing an amusing expression. The surface is neatly stippled to resemble the skin of the fish, the well-toned wood bearing a fine patina. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath. Signed SANTO within an oval reserve.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: European collection. Literature comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a fugu by Fujiwara Toman in Gould, Irving (1987) The Gould Collection of Netsuke, pp. 408-409.Auction comparison:Compare to a related wood netsuke of a fugu sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 141 (sold for 3,034 EUR).
Lot 88
TOYOKAZU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF THREE PLAYING PUPPIESBy Shugasai Toyokazu, signed Toyokazu 豊一Japan, Sasayama, Tanba province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as three playing pups clambering over one another, each one with a different fur coat – one has neatly incised fur, another is smoothly polished, and the last is piebald with alternating polished areas and incised fur. All eyes are inlaid in dark horn and the many finely carved paws are visible underneath. Natural himotoshi and signed TOYOKAZU within an oval reserve.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Conte Don Enrico Lucchesi Palli, Monarch of Campofranco. Purchased in 1889, when he accompanied his cousin Enrico (Henry), Prince of Parma, Earl of Bardi, on a tour of the world from 1887-1891. Thence by descent within the same family.Shugasai Toyokazu is widely regarded as the most accomplished pupil of Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856).
Lot 165
GYOKUTEI: A WOOD SHUNGA NETSUKE OF MAN ON HAMAGURI CLAMBy Gyokutei, signed Gyokutei 玉亭Japan, Edo (Tokyo), first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A characterful netsuke depicting a hapless male caught by his fundoshi (loincloth) within the lips of a clam, the Japanese archetypal symbol of the female sex. The man's emaciated body is well-carved, evidently he has been caught for some time, and the agonized expression is treated with humor. Natural himotoshi and signature written in sosho (cursive script) GYOKUTEI underneath. The artist was a pupil of Gyokusai, who is credited as the originator of this humorous netsuke parody of the seduction of feminine wiles.HEIGHT 4.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, fine patina.Provenance: French private collection, purchased at Galerie Yamato, Paris, in 1998.Auction comparison:A closely related netsuke by Gyokusai was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 102 (sold for 1,643 EUR).
Lot 147
MINKO: A RARE TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ITINERANT MONKBy Tanaka Juntoku Minko (1735-1816), signed Gose Minko 珉江 with kakihanJapan, Tsu, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Migeon, Gaston (1905) Chefs-d'Oeuvre d'Art Japonais, no. 897Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 513.International Netsuke Society Journal (INSJ), vol. 35, no. 4, p. 46.Boldly carved as an itinerant monk hiding a smile behind a deployed fan and holding a shakujo, a Buddhist rattle which was meant to warn even the smallest of creatures under his steps to avoid being tread upon. One foot is slightly raised lending movement to the composition. The well-toned wood bearing a fine, dark patina. Large chimney himotoshi through the back and underneath. Signed to the back Gose MINKO and kakihan.HEIGHT 9.6 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear. The rope attached to the fan is repaired.Provenance: Ex-collection Louis Gonse (1846-1921), sold at his sale on 19th April 1926, lot 860. Re-sold at Hotel Drouot, Kahn-Dumousset on 20th October 2015, lot 96 (hammer price 9,500 EUR).
Lot 35
A WALRUS TUSK NETSUKE OF TURTLES AMONGST WAVESUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a turtle with its young clambering over its carapace, a multitude of crashing waves surrounding them. The walrus tusk with typical inclusions and bearing a fine, lustrous patina. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside, the larger hole generously excavated to accommodate the knot.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear, age cracks.Provenance: Austrian private collection.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 54
RANICHI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO HORSES EMERGING FROM CHOKARO SENNIN'S GOURD By Ranichi, signed Ranichi 蘭一Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as two horses atop a double-gourd, one of the horse's long tail still partly inside the vessel, both animals with eyes inlaid in translucent horn, their manes neatly incised, the underside with large himotoshi and signature RANICHI.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear and few minor age cracks. Provenance: French private collection.The horse is the familiar of Chokaro Sennin, who is able to conjure the animal out of a gourd at will. The Japanese expression hyotan kara koma (lit. 'a horse in the gourd'), refers to a completely unexpected event that actually comes to pass, akin to the flight of pigs in the English-speaking world. This netsuke presents an even unlikelier occurrence, namely two horses emerging from the gourd. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued. This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 32
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY AND GIANT NAMAZU (EARTHQUAKE FISH)Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved as a reclining monkey with crossed legs leaning against a giant namazu – in this case not a common catfish but the legendary earthquake fish – and using his double-gourd (hyotan) as a pillow. The namazu and monkey both with subtle incision work heightened with sumi. The underside well carved with both animals' bodies and two asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, traces of use, a minor nick to the tailfin. Fine and smooth honey-yellow patina.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, acquired from Galerie Asboth, Vienna, on 27 May 1993.Legend has it that certain types of catfish (namazu) are responsible for the earthquakes that plague the islands of Japan. When aroused, these creatures would contort their bodies in such a way that gigantic tremors shook the area for miles and miles. The Shinto deity Kadori Myojin usually attempts to prevent such catastrophe with the help of his magic gourd, but this netsuke shows him as an ape having clearly given up on this valiant yet pointless endeavor.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related netsuke, illustrated in Eskenazi (1993) Japanese Netsuke from the Carre Collection, pp. 140-141, no. 171, and another in the collection of the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum, accession number 1986.30.52.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related netsuke, also dated 18th century, at Bonhams, Netsuke from a European Private Collection, 8 May 2016, London, lot 34 (sold for 1,875 GBP). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 99
A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL ON A LOTUS LEAFUnsigned Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a snail creeping over a furled lotus leaf borne on a short and elegantly curved stem, its optical tentacles touching the veined leaf, with striking contrast between the densely incised linework and highly polished opening of the leaf as well as the subtly incised shell and skin of the snail. Himotoshi to the underside and interior of the leaf. LENGTH 5.2 cmCondition: Good condition with surface wear, a tiny nick to one of the feelers, minor nicks to the leaf.Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt, acquired from Galerie Flachsmann, Germany, in 1983.The main inspiration for netsuke subjects was the natural world, most commonly animals, birds, and plants. Although the netsuke appears simple it was, in fact, very demanding to carve. The skill lies in contrasting the smooth, curved upper surfaces with the intricate, textured design of the lotus leaf. This netsuke's compact and smooth form made it an ideal piece to be worn.Literature comparison: Compare a near-identical netsuke, 5.7 cm wide, in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, accession number A.999-1910.
Lot 344
SHOKASAI: A GOLD LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO DEPICTING THE ROKKASENBy Shokasai, signed Shokasai 松花齋Japan, 19th centuryOf lenticular form, the kinji ground lacquered in iro-e takamaki-e with the rokkasen (six great poets of the Heian period) with inlaid faces in Shibayama style and details of e-nashiji. The interior with nashiji and gold fundame edges. Signed to the underside SHOKASAI.HEIGHT 9 cm (the inro) and 1.8 cm (the netsuke)Condition: Good condition with minor wear, few minuscule nicks, occasional light scratches.Provenance: The Ankarcrona Collection of Japanese Works of Art. Sten Ankarcrona (1861–1936) began collecting upon his first visit to Japan in the late 1880s, at the beginning of the golden age of travel and collecting in Europe. The young aristocratic Swedish naval officer became fascinated by the breadth of artistic production in the region and continued to add to his collection back in Europe. In 1923, by then an admiral, he was appointed by the King of Sweden to travel back to Japan on a special mission, where he spent two months making many more purchases. His love of Asian art was later passed down to his children and grandchildren, who have enriched the family collection during their own visits to Japan throughout the second half of the 20th century.With a marine ivory ojime carved with an okame and oni mask.The Rokkasen ('six poetry immortals') are six Japanese poets of the mid-ninth century who were named by Ki no Tsurayuki in the kana and mana prefaces to the poetry anthology Kokin wakashū (c. 905–14) as notable poets of the generation before its compilers. The members of the Rokkasen are Otomo no Kuronushi, Ono no Komachi, Ariwara no Narihira, Kisen Hoshi, Sojo Henjo, and Fun'ya no Yasuhide.There are a considerable number of lacquer inro and some manju netsuke that bear this signature. The inro are often lenticular, such as the present lot, and many are decorated with Shibayama style inlay. See Earle, Joe [ed.] (1995) The Index of Inro Artists, p. 251.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 145
A WOOD NETSUKE OF A PUPPY PLAYING WITH A SANDAL, ATTRIBUTED TO KOKEIAttributed to Kokei, unsignedJapan, Kuwana, Ise Province, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a puppy crouching above a large sandal, gnawing at its strap, the eyes double-inlaid in pale and dark horn. The strap forming a small loop on the side which functions as the cord attachment. Unsigned, however confidently attributed to Kokei (see auction comparison).LENGTH 3.9 cmCondition: Very good and undamaged condition, minor wear.Provenance: British private collection, old collection label '244-5” pasted underneath.Auction comparison:A very similar wood netsuke of a puppy with sandal signed Kokei was sold at Bonhams, The Julius & Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part I, 8 November 2016, London, lot 115 (sold for 2,000 GBP).
Lot 69
A SUPERB OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TIGERUnsigned Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely and amusingly carved as a tiger facing backwards with a mischievous expression marked by its sideways glance achieved by the clever placement of the dark horn-inlaid eyes, the animal further detailed with thick brows, small ears, incised whiskers, and sharp teeth, the fur neatly incised and heightened with sumi, creating a striking contrast to the smooth stripes, the tail elegantly curved, the underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Overall good condition with minor wear, one leg restored. Fine honey-yellow patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a tiger by Garaku, dated to the early 19th century, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 58 (sold for 6,250 GBP). Another closely related ivory netsuke of a tiger, unsigned and with a restored front leg, was sold at Lempertz, Asian Art, 6 December 2019, Cologne, lot 205 (sold for 4,464 EUR). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 53
RANICHI: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A TIGRESS WITH CUBBy Ranichi, signed Ranichi 蘭一Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The mother protectively placing one paw on the back of her cub, looking backward and snarling, both with double-inlaid eyes in translucent and dark horn, the pupils placed far apart, the tails swinging dynamically along the adult tiger's back. Note the neatly incised fur, heightened with sumi save for the stripes, as well as the powerfully carved shoulder bones. The underside with the signature RANICHI within an oblong reserve.LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and natural imperfections to the material.Provenance: French private collection, acquired from Muizon, Paris, on 5 June 2003.Ranichi was a pupil of Hogen Rantei and evidently close to Unsho Hakuryu I, as the present netsuke shares many affinities with this master's work.Auction comparison: Compare a related, yet smaller ivory netsuke by Ranichi depicting the same subject at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 54 (sold for 6,573 EUR). Compare a related ivory netsuke by Hakuryu I depicting the same subject at Sotheby's, Japanese and Korean Works of Art, 14 July 2005, London, lot 1090 (sold for 11,040 GBP). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 114
KANO TOMOKAZU: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A RAT WITH A SHOGI TILE By Kano Tomokazu, signed Tomokazu 友一Japan, Gifu or Nagoya, c. 1830, Edo period (1615-1868)A superbly carved wood netsuke of a male rat, looking up and gripping a shogi chess tile under his forepaw, its thick tail coiled neatly under its body. On the underside the shogi tile is boldly incised with the kanji for horse (keima 桂馬, the equivalent of a knight in Western chess). The rat and the horse represent opposite signs in the Asian zodiac and as such are considered incompatible. However, if the 'younger' of the two signs (the horse) submits to the 'older' (the rat), then the pairing can be successful. Clearly here it is the rodent that has the upper hand, indicating a felicitous partnership of opposites. The hairwork is finely incised, the rat's incisors are inlaid in bone and the eyes are inlaid in dark horn. Natural himotoshi and signed in an elliptical reserve – TOMOKAZU.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Superb condition.Provenance: French private collection.Auction comparison:Similar models are known by both Ikkan and Tomokazu. For a similar netsuke by Ikkan of Nagoya, see Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from the Adrienne Barbanson Collection, 13 May 2013, London, lot 5 (sold for 4,750 GBP).
Lot 273
A WALRUS IVORY SEAL NETSUKE OF A SHISHI WITH MOKUGYO, ATTRIBUTED TO RENSAIAttributed to Rensai, unsigned Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, late 19th centuryThe shishi seated on its rear haunches atop an oval base, its front paws resting on a mokugyo, the beast's curled mane and bushy tail finely incised and heightened with sumi, its spine neatly articulated, the floppy ears and fierce eyes well carved, the base with a central himotoshi, the seal face reading Mugaku 無學, which means “no learning”, a phrase often used by Zen priests or Japanese literati with interest in Chinese studies.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with some surface wear, natural imperfections to the material, traces of use.Provenance: Christie's, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 19 November 1986, London, lot 414 (sold for 770 GBP, approx. 2,498 GBP today after inflation). The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Literature comparison: Compare three closely related netsuke depicting shishi, two attributed to Rensai, the third signed Rensai, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, p. 16-19, nos. 331 and 332, and p. 22-23, no. 336.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 36
A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A FISHERMAN STRUGGLING WITH A GIANT FUGUUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as a fisherman with a grim expression, desperately holding on to the gigantic fugu (pufferfish) with eyes double-inlaid with reddish and dark horn, bloating itself in response to the threat, its upper body finely stippled and heightened with sumi, its short fins neatly incised, the underside with generously excavated himotoshi. Beautiful deep honey patina.LENGTH 6.8 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear and expected age cracks. Small chip to the man's foot.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 57
A FINE KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF JUROJIN AND HIS DEER Unsigned Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved with the lucky god seated and hunched over the back of his deer looking up at the sky with the mouth agape revealing teeth and tongue, its spotted fur finely incised, the animal neatly detailed with almond-shaped eyes, funnel-shaped ears, and antlers. Jurojin's head is resting on one hand, while the other holds a scroll, and his expression is amusingly grim. The underside with two generously excavated asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 4.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and natural age cracks. Superb honey patina. Provenance: French private collection.Literature comparison: A related netsuke is illustrated in Schwarz, Karl M. (1992) Netsuke Subjects, p. 26-27, no. 10. Another related netsuke by Yoshitomo is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 996. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued. This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 65
A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI AND BALLUnsigned Japan, Osaka, ca. 1780-1800, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (1993) Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins, no. 13.Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2006) More Things in Heaven and Earth, p. 66, no. 25.The lean and indubitably male beast sits upright on its haunches with both front paws flailing around its head, one catching two locks of its finely incised mane in apparent irritation. The ribs are well rendered, and the vertebrae of the spine are neatly articulated. On the naturalistically carved base stands an openwork cage containing a loose ball. One himotoshi to the base, the other between the base and bushy tail.HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear, minor age cracks, few minuscule nicks. Fine, cream-colored patina.Provenance: Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins, 1993, no. 13. Stolen from Sydney L. Moss Ltd. at the time of the aforementioned exhibition and found 18 months later with a South London fence (a reseller of stolen goods). Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, More Things in Heaven and Earth, 2006, no. 25. A notable private collection, acquired from the above.Literature comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a shishi climbing a dead tree, with similar expression and features, also unsigned, illustrated in Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, p. 156, no. 642. Two closely related netsuke from the June Schuerch collection are illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2006) More Things in Heaven and Earth, p. 66, no. 25 (the catalog entry for the present lot). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 160
AN UNUSUAL SHUNGA WOOD NETSUKE OF OKAME AS A RAT CATCHERUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A humorous wood netsuke of Okame trying to a catch a rat which has escaped onto her shoulder, dressed only in a slipping loincloth, revealing her naked back and butt cheeks, the rat evidently ready to find a hiding spot there, Okame screaming with excitement as a result. The wood is lightly stained and some minute details, such as the eyes and teeth, are inlaid. Himotoshi through the box.LENGTH 3.3 cmCondition: One foot is repaired and one inlaid eye of the rat is lost. Otherwise fine condition with minor wear and some natural imperfections to the wood.Provenance: European collection.
Lot 151
MINKO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A BOY WITH HANNYA MASKBy Tanaka Juntoku Minko (1735-1816), signed Minko 珉江 with kakihanJapan, Tsu, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, the young boy with black tufts of hair holding a Hannya mask in front of his face, his genitals exposed to the underside, natural himotoshi between the feet, legs, and mask, the reverse signed MINKO with a kakihan.LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Literature comparison:A related netsuke by the same carver is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 512.
Lot 324
A LACQUERED WOOD SASHI NETSUKE OF TAIRA NO TADANORI UNDERNEATH A CHERRY TREEUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The kushi-shaped sashi netsuke with one rounded and one flat side, very finely decorated in splendid iro-e takamaki-e with an image of Taira no Tadanori resting underneath a blossoming cherry tree. Two himotoshi near the top in the front.LENGTH 15.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, minuscule wear to lacquer. Some natural knots in the wood.Provenance: French private colleciton.Taira no Tadanori (1144–1184) was a poet and military leader of the late Heian period. He died in the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani (20th March 1184). His body was identified by a signed poem that was fastened to his quiver. The poem read:“Evening drawing on, I'll take lodging in the shade of this tree,and make its blossoms my host for the night.”
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