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Click here to subscribeGWILYM PRICHARD rare colour exhibition print - landscape with lane and houses, 58 x 47cms Provenance: private collection, consigned via our Cardiff office, label verso with details of the 1995 joint exhibition with wife Claudia Wiliams, 'Travelling Together' held at Oriel Ynys Mon Presentation & Condition: no problems, framed and glazedPlease note that this lot may be subject to Droite de Suite at 4% of the hammer price (Please see terms / enquire)
SIR KYFFIN WILLIAMS RA rare Gwasg Gregynog linocut printed by Gerard O'Shea on watermarked Gwasg Gregynog paper, from the original lino-block - 'The Villages of Carmel and Cesarea', 20 x 35cms Provenance: private collection mid-Wales Presentation & Condition: no problems other than small defect to paper, framed and glazedPlease note that this lot may be subject to Droite de Suite at 4% of the hammer price (Please see terms / enquire)
GEORGE CHAPMAN rare original etching - large group of children on a climbing frame with school building, entitled 'The Playground', circa 1962, 28 x 35cms Provenance: private collection mid-Wales, never been on market Auctioneer's Note: made on a zinc plate after an ink drawing created for United States Industries Inc. and reproduced in The Sunday Times, 10 February 1963. The etching was intended for an exhibition of Chapman's prints but the artist died after only a small number had been printed. None were signed. Of the drawing Chapman wrote: 'A shoal of children - like minnows, darting and leaping. Released and carefree, they stream into the grey, mid-morning playground - and the air is bright with laughter. This is Britain today.' Presentation & Condition: no problems, framed and glazedPlease note that this lot may be subject to Droite de Suite at 4% of the hammer price (Please see terms / enquire)
A SWANSEA POTTERY NAMED JUG FOR D DAVIES SWANSEA of bellied form and moulded handle in rare black opposing transfers of a pair of jays perched in a tree, above a stream, and a trio of grouse on the ground being stalked by a fox, with chains of flowers to the handle and neck, inscribed D Davies Swansea to the front, 22cms high, 22cms high Provenance: deceased estate, consigned via our Carmarthen office Condition Report: crazing, good example of a named jug with rare transfer
CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS R.B.A. oil on canvas - rare full-portrait of a seated lady mourning the loss of her soldier son, the lady in dark purple dress with frilly collared blouse, picture locket suspended from her neck with portrait of khaki uniformed and capped soldier, circa 1917-1919, inscribed verso 'Mrs Bostead' with later handwritten name of artist, 110 x 77cms, the sitter now believed to be Leila (née Money) Boustead, mother of Lieut Harry Atheling Russell BousteadProvenance: private collection, consigned via our Cardiff officeLATE ADDITION TO THE PROVENANCE OF THIS LOT FROM THE GREAT-GRANDSON OF THE ARTIST (QUOTE):This painting was originally auctioned at Phillips on 21 November 1985, part of the auction of "Remaining works from the studio of Christopher Williams RBA". It was Lot 56: "Mrs Bostead, Oil on canvas, inscribed in chalk with title on stretcher", 111cm x 79cm; unframed"in addition, I suspect that her name is (almost certainly) Mrs Boutstead, not Mrs Bostead. Christopher Williams painted a posthumous portrait of Harry Atheling Bousted - see https://greatwarliveslost.com/2017/04/04/thursday-5-april-1917-we-lost-541/ I suspect that this is from the same family and painted around the same time. As you note, this is most likely a bereaved mother from World War 1The picture locket mentioned in the description might feature Harry Atheling Boustead.Harry born Surbiton, Surrey 10 May 1892. was educated at Cromer Prep School, where he was Head Boy and Harrow where he won the Champion Senior swimming Cup and became a monitor and head of his house. At University College, Oxford he won a half blue for swimming, winning the 100 yards swimming for Oxford against Cambridge in 1913, also competing in the water-polo team. and passed his history honours June 1914. He also represented his college at lawn tennis and only just missed out on representing the university at the Varsity Match.Commissioned June 1914 he was sent to Gibraltar and then to Egypt where he fought against the Senussi. July 1916 returned to England.Attached to the Royal Flying Corps and obtained his wings after one month’s training.Served in France from 4 October 1916. In March 1917 he returned to England to collect a new plane (most likely a Bristol Fighter) and return it to France. He had two ‘kills’ to his name.Harry died 5 April 1917 of wounds received in an aerial fight when the patrol he was on of six Bristol Fighters met Manfred von Richthofen’s Jasta 11 of Albatros D.IIIs. Though mortally wounded Harry fought off two or three enemy machines above and succeeded in returning to his base, made a perfect landing and died an hour afterwards. His observer 2nd Lieut. Charles Gustave Rochefort Mackintosh was also killed.He was buried in the British Cemetery, Ovillers-la-Boisselle, Somme, France. Lieut Harry Atheling Russell Boustead (aka Bonstein) 2/8th (Territorial) Bn. The Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regt),5 April 1917 Died of woundsAnother painting of Harry Atheling Boustead was sold at Dominic Winter Book Auctions on 11 November 2011 (lot 336). Apparently it sold for £2,291.25. I understand that this painting is now in the collection of The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, New Zealand.Auctioneer's Note: the tragic subject matter is unsurprising for the artist who travelled to the Western Front in 1916 after the battle of Mametz Wood in which about 4,000 men from the 38th Welsh Division were killed or injured. The experience of visiting Mametz wood inspiring the artist's masterpiece 'The Welsh Division at Mametz Wood, 1916' which is now in the ownership of the National Museum of Wales, it was commissioned by David Lloyd George and originally hung in Downing Street. Lloyd George was something of a patron of Christopher Williams and the artist painted three different portraits of the Welsh Statesman and his father. Williams' war experiences affected him deeply and according to the recollections of his friend Arthur H Thomas, 'Christie's vehement denunciation of man's inhumanity remain with me still' ( 'Christopher Williams: An Account of his Life and Appreciation of his Work' by Jeremiah Williams, Delyn Press, 1955). It is no surprise that the artist sought out a mother of a soldier as a portrait sitter. One can see in the expression of the lady, someone who is sorrowful but also that of someone who may be sharing the artist's despair at the 'juggernaut trampling of the soul of man' and asking 'why'. The subject matter brings the questions around the futility of war to a personal level, creating a powerful connection between artist and the sitter. David Lloyd George considered Williams as the most gifted artist Wales had produced. Presentation & Condition: has been later cleaned and reframed, no notable problems other than light surface scratch and small losses on edge near frame
A RARE SWANSEA EARTHENWARE DOLPHIN-SUPPORT PASTILLE BURNER on curved triangular base, the base and three dolphins glazed in deep blue, the cup in mottled purple glaze, circa 1800 (George Haynes period), impressed SWANSEA mark to base, 12.5cms high, 12cms diam Provenance: private collection, Wales, please see Morton Nance 'The Pottery & Porcelain of Swansea & Nantgarw', page 55, Pl. XIX A Auctioneer's Note: a rare academic item from the early transitional period at Swansea Condition Report: nibbles to edges of cup, base and dolphins, enamel loss, would have had cover originally
A RARE SWANSEA PORCELAIN MINIATURE TAPERSTICK of circular form with ring handle and stepped nozzle surrounded by ring of beadwork at the base, the border painted with continuous series of convulvulus and with gilt decoration to nozzle and ring handle, 6.5cms diam at base Provenance: private collection, London Condition Report: nozzle rim chip with hairline, wear to gilding
LARGE NANTGARW PORCELAIN OVAL CENTRE DISH lobed and with moulded fan handles, centred with spray of brightly enameled flowers including rose and tulip, four outer sprigs to interior and exterior, solid gilt trim, impressed NANT GARW CW to base, 35cms long Provenance: private collection, consigned via our Carmarthen office, rare shape documented in 'Nantgarw Porcelain' W D John, illustration 19d Condition Report: no apparent condition issues, wear to gilding particularly at handle, enameling very fresh
A RARE MID 19TH CENTURY PONTYPOOL TÔLE PEINTRE PLATE WARMER with dome-top, four corner cabriole legs, door, sides and top decorated with exotic landscapes and buildings, pair of brass rosette and ring side-handles, 70cms high, 35cms deep, 39cms wide Provenance: private collection, Monmouthshire Auctioneer's Note: Pontypool Japan is a name given to the process of 'japanning' with the use of an oil varnish and heat which is credited to Thomas Allgood of Pontypool. In the late 17th century, during his search for a corrosion-resistant coating for iron, he developed a recipe that included asphaltum, linseed oil and burnt umber. Once applied to metal and heated the coating turned black and was extremely tough and durable. This plate-warmer with it's open back would have stood close to the open-fire to warm the plates as they were stored inside before dinner, at an upper-class residence Condition Report: some corrosion and losses, particular to top, commensurate with age, please see images online
GROUP OF INTERESTING JAPANNED TÔLE WARE CURIOS BELIEVED PONTYPOOL OR USK comprising (1)pair of candlesticks of baluster form on square bases, floral decorated, 21cms high (2) rectangular based tea canister with tortoise-shell effect reserve with opposing oval cartouches of finely painted landscape scenes, 8.5cms (3) a rare Winsor & Newton miniature en plein air paints-locket with finger-ring and neck-ribbon for practical use (4) cased pocket balance (5) spectacles case with faux tortoise-shell spectacles and (6) a pair of tongs Provenance: private collection Monmouthshire Condition Report: overall good, please enquire or see images online
Lacquered binding.- Scenery & Songs of Scotland, first edition, alternating plates of songs and views of Scotland, marginal toning, contemporary lacquered binding in tartan design, rebacked preserving original spine strip, marked and scratched, Edinburgh, Banks & Co., [c.1865]; and 2 others, including another lacquered binding in faux mottled calf affect with gilt decorations and an embossed cigar box with 'Don Quixote' design, 4to (3)*** The first is rare, with Library Hub recording one other copy at the University of Edinburgh.
Falletti (Girolamo) De Bello Sicambrico Libri IIII, et eiusdem alai Poemata, Libri VIII, first and only edition, Roman type, title with woodcut printer's device, initial spaces with guide-letters, errata f. at end, a few instances of early ink marginalia, water-stained at head, some spotting and staining, lightly browned, fragments of medieval manuscripts used in binding, bookplate of Thomas Ashby, Jun., loose in contemporary limp vellum, lacking ties, stained and rubbed, [Adams F132; Ahmanson-Murphy 523; Renouard, Alde, 172:13; EDIT 16 CNCE 18523], small 4to, Venice, [Paulus Manutius], 1557.*** First and only edition of this collection of Faletti's works, which Renouard calls 'beau et rare'. It includes his epic poem on the Guelders Wars. Falletti was a humanist and diplomat for Ercole d'Este of Ferrara to the court of Charles V.
Occitan.- Nalis (Jean-Baptiste) Cantiques noels, et autres ouvrages en vers, partie en François et partie en langue vulgaire de la ville de Beaucaire. Composés par un de ses habitants, second edition, title with woodcut ornament, woodcut head- and tail-pieces, a few words to title in a juvenile hand, some staining, lightly browned, Arles, Jacques Mesnier, 1769 bound with Nalis (Jean-Baptiste) Voici d'instructions simples & catholiques, toutes en vers patois, & toutes pathétiques, title with woodcut ornament, woodcut head- and tail-pieces, occasional spotting and staining, lightly browned, Arles, Jacques Mesnier, 1770, together 2 works in 1 vol., lacking front free endpaper, contemporary mottled calf, spine in compartments, rubbed, 8vo *** The first mentioned is the scarce second edition (rare first is 1766) of this collection of devotional and Christmas canticles, riddles, letters and poems addressed to the author's friends, and verses on Christian instruction, written in French and the Occitan dialect of the town of Beaucaire. The verses include reprimands addressed to heavy sleepers, dancers, the idle, the debauched, and prattlers.
Bible, English.- The Text of the New Testament of Jesus Christ, translated out of the vulgar Latine by the Papists of the the traiterous Seminarie at Rheims... Whereunto is added the translation... used in the Church of England, with a Confutation... by W. Fuke, Bishop's and Rheims versions in parallel columns, title within ornate woodcut architectural border, woodcut head- and tail-pieces and decorative initials, small piece missing from inner margin of title at head, without loss to printed area, Oo1 small hole within text with loss of a few letters, Rr3 short tear at foot, within text, but without loss, Printed [by Adam Islip] for Thomas Adams, 1617 bound with Fulke (William) A defense of the sincere and true translation of the Holy Scriptures into the English tongue, against the manifold cauils, friuolous quarrels, and impudent slaunders of Gregorie Martin, title with woodcut printer's device, woodcut head- and tail-pieces and decorative initials, Printed [by Eliot's Court Press] for Thomas Adams, 1617, together 2 works in 1 vol., water-stained, mostly at foot, but occasionally within text, occasional spotting, contemporary calf, spine in compartments, lacking label, covers detached, spine ends chipped, corners worn, rubbed and scuffed, [STC 2917 & 11431; Herbert 359], folio *** Third edition of Fulke's New Testament, which is rare at auction. It includes his Defense, which was 'indirectly responsible for the marked influence which Rheims exerted on the Bible of 1611' (Herbert).
Elborow (Thomas) An exposition upon the latter part of the Common-prayer-book, woodcut head- and tail-pieces and initials, title chipped with loss of a few letters and part of double filet border, a2 chip with loss of a couple of letters, closely trimmed at head, some spotting and staining, lightly browned, 18th century vellum mottled in green and brown, upper cover detached, [Wing E322], 8vo, printed by J[ohn]. W[inter]. for Joseph Clark, 1672.*** Rare, with ESTC recording only five copies. Elborow was a Chiswick vicar.
Broadside.- London.- A list of all the mayors and lord mayors, that governed this honourable city of London, from the year, 1191. to the seventh year of Her Majesties reign, 1709, 359 x 213mm., woodcut city arms at head, margins trimmed, occasionally just touching part of the odd letter / number, folds, some light browning, Printed, and sold by B. Bragge, at the Raven in Pater-Noster-Row, 1709.*** Rare, with ESTC recording only two copies (Guildhall and Nat. Lib. Scotland).
Locke (John) A paraphrase and notes on the epistles of St. Paul To the Galatians, I & II Corinthians, Romans, Ephesians. To which is prefix'd, An essay for the understanding of St. Paul's epistles, by consulting St. Paul himself, second edition, initial advertisement f. for books by Locke, parts misbound compared to ESTC pagination, but complete, occasional spotting, contemporary panelled calf, worn at extremities, rubbed, rare edition at auction, 4to, Printed by J. H. for Awnsham and John Churchill, 1709.
[Brooke (Francis, translator)].- [Riccoboni (Marie Jeanne de Heurles Laboras de Mezières)] Letters from Juliet Lady Catesby, to her friend Henrietta Campley, Transtated [sic] from the French, second edition, occasional light browning, some worming to lower margin, not affecting text, early ink ownership inscription to title, attractive contemporary mottled calf, some light insect damage along joints but an attractive copy overall, 12mo, Dublin, J. Potts, 1763.*** Rare translation of this early novel by this important early English novelist. Brooke would publish her own The History of Emily Montagu in1764, often referred to as the first North American novel. ESTC lists 5 copies only.
Cookery.- Harrison (Sarah) The House-Keeper's Pocket-Book, and Compleat Family Cook, ninth edition, revis'd and corrected, title with light browning to margins, occasional light browning to upper margin, [B]3 with small portion of loss to upper margin, not affecting text, lacking front free endpaper, contemporary calf, joints cracked but holding firm, spine ends chipped, corners bumped, 8vo, J. Rivington and Sons, 1777.*** Rare ESTC lists 3 copies with only 1 in the UK.
Unrecorded Coventry printing.- Gessner (Salomon) The Death of Abel. In five books. Attempted from the German of Mr. Gessner, twelfth edition, engraved frontispiece, ownership inscription 'Christn [sic] Heiniken, 1805' to front free endpaper, closely trimmed at head, affecting the odd page number, occasional staining, including title, contemporary sheep, worn, 16mo, Coventry, 1788.*** Unrecorded edition. ESTC records only two other Coventry editions by Luckman, both of which are rare.
Hazlitt (William) The Romancist and Novelist's Library: The Best Works of the Best Authors, vol. 2 & 3 only (of 4), occasional light spotting or finger-soiling, contemporary blind stamped cloth, gilt, faded and rubbed, extremities frayed, tall 8vo, J. Clements, 1839-1840.*** Rare, with an early printing of Shelley's early prose work, 'St. Irvyne; or, The Rosicrucian', and other scarce titles.
Agriculture & Bread.- W. (E.) To the landed proprietors : a dialogue between two farmers, on the present prospects of agriculture, the tendency of cheap bread, and the ruin that must inevitably fall upon old England under existing legislative measures, title, some upper margins and final verso dust-soiled, lightly browned, modern blue wrappers, [Kress 32703], large 12mo, Birmingham, Wrightson and Webb, [1842].*** A rare work in commerce on agriculture, the corn laws, price of bread, and related economic matters.
NO RESERVE Dickens (Charles) Dombey & Sons, early reprint, [c.1848]; The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, 2 vol., Leipzig, Bernhard Tauchnitz, 1842, illustrations, first original cloth, last contemporary half calf, first with spine coming away, spine faded, both rubbed; and 13 others, Dickens, including 2 Nelson Library editions of Martin Chuzzlewit and Pickwick Papers with rare dust-jackets, v.s. (16)
Anti-vivisection.- Judaica.- Cobbe (Frances Power) An appeal to the humane Jews of England, presentation copy, title detached and a little chipped, disbound, 8vo, Printed for private circulation, copies to be obtained gratis from Miss...Cobbe, Hengwrt Dolgelly, 1891.*** Rare. An appeal to the Jews of England to support the cessation of vivisection. Cobbe names a number of Jewish scientists who have carried out such experiments, and outlines their procedures in often graphic detail.
London-printed Portuguese.- Castro Sarmento (Jacob de ) Appendix ao que se acha escrito na Materia medica, engraved frontispiece, some spotting, lightly browned, contemporary calf, gilt, richly gilt spine in compartments and with red morocco label, upper cover detached, lower joint split, but holding firm, head of spine repaired, 8vo, no printer, 1757.*** Rare, with ESTC recording only one copy.
TOMIN: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF THE SANSUKUMI ON SKULL By Tomin, signed Tomin 東岷Japan, Tsu, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved from reddish wood and depicting a snake slithering through the eye sockets of a skull, which on its own is a popular motif. However additionally a snail is carved on top of the cranium, and a warty well-carved toad is climbing up on the back. The netsuke depicts the sansukumi motif, meaning ‘mutual control’. The snake will consume the toad, however there is a catch – the toad will have eaten a poisonous snail, so too the snake must perish. A vertebral bone underneath forms the himotoshi and the signature is found somewhat hidden underneath – TOMIN.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear.Provenance: European collection.A rare and apparently unrecorded subject for Tomin, who was a pupil of Minko.
MINKO: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT BOAR By Tanaka Juntoko Minko (1735-1816), signed hachi-ju ichi sai Minko 珉江 and kakihanJapan, Tsu, dated 1816, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting a decidedly male recumbent boar with its front legs placed afore yet tucked underneath the body forming a compact composition. The fur typically incised, the ridged spine is expressed ending in a small bushy tail, and the eyes are double inlaid in brass and dark horn. Signed on the two hindfeet hachi-ju sai MINKO and with a kakihan [Minko at the age of eighty-one (the year of his death)]. Natural himotoshi.LENGTH 4.7 cmCondition: Good condition with associated surface wear.Provenance: European collection.Auction comparison:A similar netsuke by Minko was recently sold at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French Private Collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 97 (sold for 3,562 GBP).Literature comparison:Compare to a netsuke of a boar by Minko, signed at the age of 62, in Rosemary, Bandini (2014) Japanese netsuke from the collection of Teddy Hahn, no. 31.
MINKO: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED DRAGON By Tanaka Juntoko Minko, signed Minko 眠江Japan, Tsu, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The coiled dragon forming a compact composition, the scales finely incised and with powerfully carved claws and flames emanating from its body. The mythical being’s mouth is opened as it lets out a snarl, the large eyes inlaid in brass with dark horn pupils. Natural himotoshi and signed underneath within a polished reserve MINKO.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Good condition with some surface wear and typical oxidation to brass pupils.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 16 September 2009, New York, lot 3004 (part lot, sold for 3,050 USD).Auction comparison:Minko’s dragons are rare. For another dragon by Minko see Sotheby’s, The Betty Jahss Collection of Netsuke – Part II (Final), 14 November 1991, London, lot 74.
NAITO TOYOMASA: A VERY RARE AND SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A KOREAN BOY By Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856), signed Toyomasa 豊昌Japan, Sasayama, Tanba province, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The boy standing on one foot, one leg and two arms raised in a dynamic motion, dancing in jubilation. He wears a characteristically foreign wide-brimmed feathered hat and coat incised with floral patterns and scrolling vines. The face is carved extremely well – the eyes are large, and the mouth is slightly opened. Black staining is used in the crevices for effect. The well-toned wood of a very appealing color, with a fine unctuous patina. Large, generously excavated himotoshi through the back and signed underneath the hem of the coat TOYOMASA.HEIGHT 6.3 cmCondition: Good condition with some associated surface wear. One foot restored.Provenance: Ex-collection Ann Meselson, Sotheby’s, 2 December 1994, New York, lot 253.A very unusual and unique subject for the artist executed in his usual vigor, style, and quality. One other netsuke of a foreigner on a shishi, however without illustration, is recorded in H.L Joly (1975) Catalogue of the H. Seymour Trower Collection of Japanese Art, no. 43.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.
A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF SHIRO UnsignedJapan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Rutherston & Bandini (2013) Japanese Netsuke, no. 4.Depicting Emma-o’s attendant Shiro, who was sent to steal Daikoku’s bag of rice, being attacked with a branch of holly by one of the lucky god’s rats. Shiro is shown here in a cowering posture, biting into his folded arms in front of him, signifying his defeat. He has long hair, large horns and wears a tiger skin loincloth. The underside shows the very large, generously excavated himotoshi, and a gorgeous, rich honey-yellow patina.LENGTH 4.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, age cracks.Provenance: British private collection.
ITTAN: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A CAT GEISHA By Ittan, signed Ittan 一旦 gito 戯刀Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Joly, Henri L. (1912) The W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, p. 37, no. 905.Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 249.Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, Vol. 2, p. 37, no. K367.Finely carved as a cat standing upright, masquerading as a woman, holding up the hem of her kimono which is open at the neck and secured at the waist, one hand raised to the side, the face with an enigmatic expression and neatly detailed features, the fur incised with great precision. The back signed ITTAN gito (carved in fun by Ittan).HEIGHT 5.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear. Provenance: W. L. Behrens collection, no. 905. L. A. Luxmoore collection, acquired at Sotheby's, London, 1969. Ex-collection Julius and Arlette Katchen. Australian private collection, acquired from Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 137 (sold for GBP 9,000).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.
A RARE IVORY SEAL NETSUKE WITH AN ONI UnsignedJapan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The rectangular seal with a cut underside and key fret border design on the side, surmounted by a reclining and grim-looking oni. The ivory beautifully worn. Himotoshi through the side of the belly. Remnants of dried red seal paste underneath.LENGTH 3 cmCondition: Good condition with expected surface wear and age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.
SUKENORI: A RARE ITTOBORI WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY By Sukenori, signed Sukenori 亮則Japan, Takayama, Hida province, late 19th centuryA charming carving of a monkey (saru) executed in ittobori (carved with a single knife or cutting edge). The monkey sits in a leisurely position crossing his legs and holding his knee against his body with both arms, the eyes inlaid in dark horn, and the wood stained, a patch in the back is left unstained. Pierced himotoshi in the front in-between the legs and signed underneath SUKENORI.HEIGHT 5 cmCondition: Perfect condition.Provenance: European collection.One is instantly reminded of the early 20th century cubism art movement pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.
A RARE IVORY ASHTRAY NETSUKE OF A TIGER UnsignedJapan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The ashtray netsuke in the form of a crouching tiger and ready to pounce, its body compressed forming a compact composition and the underside generously hollowed out, showing signs of usage as an ashtray. The tiger’s fur is finely incised and pleasingly worn, showing a warm, deep-yellow patina. The pupils are inlaid in gilt brass. A peg with an eyelet is inset to function as the cord attachment.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Good, worn condition with few small age cracks. The himotoshi peg is likely a replacement.Provenance: German private collection.A quite unusual netsuke – Hasegawa Ikko comes to mind as a possible artist.
OTOMAN: A MASTERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF HOTEI WITH TWO CHILDREN By Matsushita Otomitsu (Otoman), signed Otomitsu 音滿Japan, Hakata, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Joly, H. L. (1913) Catalogue of the H. Seymour Trower Collection of Japanese Art, no. 165B.Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 264, no. 818.Barry Davies Oriental Art (1995) 100 Selected Pieces from the Netsuke Collection of Scott Meredith, no. 66.A compact, well-carved and above all spirited carving of the lucky god Hotei pulling at his treasure bag with his teeth and revealing two young boys inside, one lying on his back and both smiling. The individual expressions are full of character and charm, one cannot help but smile when picking up the netsuke. The face of Hotei is very typical for Otoman, who is regarded as one of the greatest netsuke-shi of all time, with the eyes set wide apart and a broad nose.Otoman’s netsuke are immediately recognizable as they possess a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ – as is the case with this piece. One does not need to see the signature, nevertheless it is boldly incised in the typical manner on the underside with two characters – OTOMITSU. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside. The wood bearing a good color and patina.HEIGHT 3.1 cm, LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor associated surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collections H. Seymour Trower, M. T. Hindson, G. Alessi and Scott MeredithAuction comparison:Wood netsuke by this most celebrated Hakata carver are extraordinarily rare. For a very similar, yet larger, and in our opinion much less spirited carving by Otoman see Sotheby’s, The Cornelius V. S Roosevelt Collection of Netsuke, 2 June 1992, New York, lot 170.
A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF RAIJIN AND FUTEN UnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An amusing and unusual wood netsuke depicting Futen massaging Raijin’s leg. The wind god is seated, his bag of wind tied around his shoulders, and the thunder god is reclining next to him, holding a drumstick and resting his head on his drum. The wood bearing a fine patina. Himotoshi through the back and underside.LENGTH 5.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Richard Hieronymus.
KASHUN: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF GOSHISHO By Kashun, signed Kashun 花春Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting the Chinese general Goshisho holding up a tripodal brazier with one hand while holding a brush with the other and writing a stanza, a suzuri (ink stone) placed on the table before him. The general has a stern-faced expression and a thick beard, almost appearing like Shoki. The wood of a very attractive color and the chimney-like himotoshi are found through the back and underside. Signed within an oval reserve KASHUN – a rare artist who worked exclusively in wood.HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: The brazier with some minor nibbling to the rim. Some tiny nicks around the edges of the robe and to the himotoshi. Generally, in good condition.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection assembled within the same family over three generations.Goshisho (in Chinese, Wu Zixu) lived during 5th century BC and was a legendary general and politician. In a literary competition he showed both his wonderful strength and scholarship by holding up a 600 kg brazier and writing a lengthy stanza at the same time.
A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF FUKUSUKE UnsignedJapan, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The lucky dwarf with the amusingly large head pulling the face of a Hyottoko mask, the lips pressed forward in a comical yet somewhat angry gesture, the eyes double inlaid in bone and dark horn. He wears a peculiar eboshi hat and holds a paddle with both hands, a large club next to him. The details finely engraved and the pierced himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 6.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with associated surface wear.Provenance: European collection, purchased from Kunsthandel Klefisch, Auction 30, 9 November 1985, Cologne, lot 628.Literature comparison:For a similar netsuke by Tochinsai in the Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection, see LACMA, accession no. M.91.250.288.
A RARE EDO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF TAMATORI-HIME ('PRINCESS JEWEL TAKER') Unsigned Japan, Edo (Tokyo), first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved in sukashibori (openwork) with the ama holding the precious jewel (Menkai fuhai no tama) in one hand and a pearl knife in the other, as a fierce dragon approaches her, all amid scrolling and crashing waves. Two himotoshi to either side of one of the dragon’s legs to the underside.HEIGHT 3.4 cm, LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, few minuscule nicks and small natural age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.Laura Miller writes, “[the] legend of Princess Tamatori (Tamatorihime), or Ama, developed around the historical figure Fujiwara no Kamatari (614–69), who was the founder of the powerful Fujiwara clan. Upon Kamatari’s death, the Tang dynasty emperor, who had received Kamatari’s beautiful daughter as a consort, sent three priceless treasures to Japan in order to comfort his grieving lover by honoring her father. One of the treasures, a pearl, was stolen by the dragon king during a storm on its way to Japan in the inlet of Fusazaki. Kamatari’s son Fujiwara no Fuhito (659–720) went in search of the pearl to the isolated area where he met and married a beautiful pearl diver named Ama, who bore him a son. Ama, full of love for their son, vowed to help recover the stolen pearl. After many failed attempts, Ama was finally successful when the dragon and grotesque creatures guarding it were lulled to sleep by music. Upon reclaiming the treasure, she came under pursuit by the awakened sea creatures. She cut open her breast to place the pearl inside for safekeeping the resulting flow of blood clouded the water and aided her escape. She died from the resulting wound but is revered for her selfless act of sacrifice for her husband Fuhito and their son.” (Competition and Collaboration: Japanese Prints of the Utagawa School, 2007, p. 137)Literature comparison:The fable of Tamatori-hime (‘Princess Jewel Taker’), was a favorite ukiyo-e subject of Utagawa Kuniyoshi, see for example a triptych in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number JP1564.
TOMOCHIKA: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF TAMAMO NO MAE WITH THE NINE-TAILED FOX By Chikuyosai Tomochika, signed Tomochika 友親Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting the concubine Tamamo no Mae smiling and holding a fan against the side of her face, leaning against a nine-tailed kitsune (fox) – her true identity. A woman, possibly Abe no Seimei’s wife, creeps up to her, armed with a knife and about to strike. The details are finely inked, some red coloring is used for the mouths. Natural himotoshi and signed underneath TOMOCHIKA inside a wavy reserve.HEIGHT 4.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with hardly any wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased from Kunsthandel Klefisch, Auction 89, 27 September 2008, Cologne, lot 165.Literature comparison:For a similar netsuke by Tomochika and an explanation of the depicted legend see Marie-Therese Coullery and Martin S. Newstead (1977) The Baur Collection, pp. 174-175, C 419.
GYOKUZAN: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF THE LEGEND OF THE TONGUE-CUT SPARROW (SHITAKIRI SUZUME) By Gyokuzan, signed Gyokuzan 玉山Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The ivory netsuke showing the two very different outcomes of the story. On the left is Nasakeji tipping over his box, gifted to him by the sparrow people. A multitude of treasures and coins are falling out as he laughs and points downwards. To the right is his wife Arababa, who cut the sparrow’s tongue. Her box reveals three bakemono who are torturing her, amongst them Rokurokubi who is licking the side of her face. The ivory finely stained and the details well-carved. The underside with signature GYOKUZAN and a centrally drilled himotoshi.LENGTH 4.4 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear to staining.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased from Kunsthandel Klefisch, Auction 98, 13 October 2012, Cologne, lot 248.Literature comparison:A similar netsuke by Tomochika is illustrated in Marie-Therese Coullery and Martin S. Newstead (1977) The Baur Collection, pp. 180-181, C 439.
ICHIYUSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF ENSHI By Ichiyusai Naoharu/Naomitsu, signed Ichiyusai 一遊齋Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1830-1850, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting Enshi lifting his deer hide cloak with some vigor, the garment patterns and deer fur neatly incised and inked. Himotoshi through the back and signed ICHIYUSAI.HEIGHT 4.2 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear to inked and stained details, as visible in the images provided. Some age cracks.Provenance: French private collection.It is not possible to distinguish between Ichiyusai Naoharu and Naomitsu. Both makers are known for their very fine manju netsuke, while katabori pieces are rare.Enshi (in Chinese Tan Zi), is one of the twenty-four paragons of filial piety, a classic text of Confucian filial piety written by Guo Jujing during the Yuan Dynasty (1260-1368). Enshi's parents had an eye ailment that could only be cured by deer's milk. His family was too poor to buy the expensive milk, so Enshi disguised himself like a deer in order to get milk directly from does in the herd near his home. One day as Tanzi was playing amid the deers, the animals suddenly ran for the trees, leaving Tan Zi alone in the middle of the meadow. He looked towards the path and saw why the deer had fled. Hunters, bow in hand, stood in the shade, prepared to shoot some venison. Just in time he stood up (the moment depicted in the netsuke) and explained to them his story and the hunters escorted him safely back home.
ICHIYUSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A BOY WITH DOG AND BESHIMI MASK By Ichiyusai Naoharu/Naomitsu, signed Ichiyusai 一遊齋Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1830-1850, Edo period (1615-1868)A well-sized ivory netsuke of a boy holding a bag behind his back and a leash to which a mask of Beshimi is attached. He is playing with his dog which holds the mask between his paws and bites into it. The details very finely carved and beautifully worn with a fine glossy patina, particularly to the reverse. Himotoshi through the boy’s robe and signed underneath ICHIYUSAI.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Superb condition with associated surface wear, a fine patina, and natural age cracks.Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan c. 1980.It is not possible to distinguish between Ichiyusai Naoharu and Naomitsu. Both makers are known for their very fine manju netsuke and katabori pieces are rare.
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