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WETTMANN | Auktionshaus an der Ruhr
Lot 290

M. H. Wilkens & Söhne große Silber-FußschaleM. H. Wilkens & Söhne, Bremen-Hemelingen, 20. Jh., 800 Silber, punziert, Manufakturmarke, Feingehalt, Halbmond und Krone, Höhe 14,5 cm, Ø 28,5 cm, Gewicht ca. 780 g, mit leichten Alters- und GebrauchsspurenM. H. Wilkens & Sons large silver foot bowlM. H. Wilkens & Söhne, Bremen-Hemelingen, 20th c., 800 silver, hallmarked, maker's mark, fineness, crescent and crown, height 14.5 cm, Ø 28.5 cm, weight approx. 780 g, with slight signs of age and wear

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WETTMANN | Auktionshaus an der Ruhr
Lot 302

Meissen Walzenkrug mit Chinoiserie-DekorMeissen, um 1730, Porzellan, weiß, glasiert, zylindrisch, mit eingezogenem Lippenrand, Bandhenkel mit Mittelgrat und modelliertem Palmettenansatz, fein gemalter Dekor im Famille-verte-Stil in der Art Johann Ehrenfried Stadlers mit chinoiser Landschaft und einer Pagode zwischen dichten Chrysanthemen- und Päonienzweigen in Purpur, Eisenrot, Gelb, Emailblau und zwei verschiedenen Grüntönen, mit schwarzen und eisenroten Konturen, partiell gold gehöht, chinoise farbige Blüten- und Blattrankenbordüre, unglasierter Boden mit Manufakturmarke, wohl später angefügte Silbermontierung bestehend aus profiliertem Fußrand und innen vergoldetem Klapphenkel mit seltener Münze des römisch-deutschen Kaisers Karl VI als Herrscher in Siebenbürgen, datiert 1725, Höhe mit Deckel 14,6 cm, Zustand B, unten am Henkelende kleine, ältere RestaurierungMeissen cylindrical jug with chinoiserie decorMeissen, c. 1730, porcelain, white, glazed, cylindrical, with indented lip rim, band handle with central ridge and modeled palmette base, finely painted Famille-verte style decoration in the manner of Johann Ehrenfried Stadler with chinoiserie landscape and a pagoda between dense chrysanthemum and peony branches in purple, iron red, yellow, enamel blue and two different shades of green, with black and iron red outlines, partly heightened with gold, chinoise colored flower and leaf tendril border, unglazed bottom with maker's mark, probably later added silver mount consisting of profiled foot rim and inside gilded hinged handle with rare coin of the Roman-German Emperor Charles VI as ruler in Transylvania, dated 1725, height with lid 14,6 cm, condition B, at the bottom of the handle end small, older restoration

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WETTMANN | Auktionshaus an der Ruhr
Lot 303

Meissen Walzenkrug mit Imari-DekorMeissen, um 1730, Porzellan, weiß, glasiert, zylindrisch, mit eingezogenem Lippenrand, Bandhenkel mit Mittelgrat und geschnittenem Ansatz, fein gemalter Dekor in der Art von Johann Ehrenfried Stadler im Imari-Stil mit unterglasurblauen Ästen und dichten Chrysanthemen- und Päonienblüten in Purpur, Eisenrot, Gelb und zwei verschiedenen Grüntönen, mit schwarzen und eisenroten Konturen, gold gehöht, chinoise blaue Rankenbordüre mit Reserven um farbige Blüten, unglasierter Boden mit Manufakturmarke, später angefügter Klappdeckel aus Silber mit Münze des Christoph Bernhard v. Galen, Erzbischof zu Münster, datiert 1661, Höhe mit Deckel 14 cm, Zustand AMeissen jug with Imari decorMeissen, c. 1730, porcelain, white, glazed, cylindrical, with indented lip rim, ribbon handle with central ridge and cut base, finely painted decoration in the manner of Johann Ehrenfried Stadler in Imari style with underglaze blue branches and dense chrysanthemum and peony blossoms in purple, iron red, yellow and two different shades of green, with black and iron red outlines, heightened with gold, chinoise blue vine border with reserves around colored blossoms, unglazed bottom with manufactory mark, later added hinged lid of silver with coin of Christoph Bernhard v. Galen, Archbishop of Münster, dated 1661, height with lid 14 cm, condition A

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WETTMANN | Auktionshaus an der Ruhr
Lot 348

Fabergé 'Imperial' Schachspiel von Igor Carl FabergéFabergé, St. Petersburg, 20. Jh., Mahagoni-Schachtel mit eingelassenem Stein-Spielbrett, mit Samt gefütterter Innenraum, silbervergoldete Hartstein-Schachfiguren, 39,5 cm x 39,5 cm x 10,5 cm Objektmaß,, partiell Gebrauchsspuren, Goldlegierung partiell angelaufen und abgeplatztFabergé 'Imperial' chess set by Igor Carl FabergéFabergé, St. Petersburg, 20th century, mahogany box with inset stone game board, velvet lined interior, silver-gilt hardstone chess pieces, 39.5 cm x 39.5 cm x 10.5 cm object dimensions, partial signs of wear, gold alloy partially tarnished and chipped

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 10

A RARE INLAID LACQUER BOX AND COVER WITH SEVEN KOGO (INCENSE BOX) FOR THE INCENSE-MATCHING GAMEJapan, 19th centuryEach of circular form and bearing a gyobu nashiji ground richly decorated in iro-e takamaki-e with some details in hiramaki-e, e-nashiji, and kirikane, the interiors and bases of rich nashiji with gold fundame edges. The top of the cover to the larger box further decorated in gold takazogan with Jurojin and a crane, the lucky god holding a tall staff with a gourd attached on top in one hand and a fan in the other, standing beside a flowering prunus tree with buds and blossoms in coral and silver lacquer. The smaller boxes with various treasures including tama jewels, coral, shippo, tassels, a fan, and a mallet. The larger box with a central circular aperture to the base.DIAMETER 10 cm (the larger box) and 3 cm (each of the smaller boxes)Condition: Good condition with minor surface wear as well as few minuscule nicks and tiny losses here and there. The cover of the larger box with a repaired chip. Provenance: From a private collection in Bern, Switzerland. The present set was used for the incense matching game. Like the Way of Tea and flower arrangement, the enjoyment of incense had developed into a complex pastime by the Edo period and had a large following during the seventeenth century. The various games involve guessing a fragrance from among more than 2,000 varieties, matching fragrances, and blending incenses to suggest certain moods.Auction comparison:Compare a related set with similar metal inlays at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 27 May 2022, Vienna, lot 120 (sold for EUR 5,056).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 107

A VERY RARE BRONZE JIZAI (ARTICULATED) OKIMONO OF A SPIDERJapan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Well cast and carved as a spider, the fully articulated legs each of three segments, the abdomen movable as well, the animal well detailed with pedipalps as well as neatly incised round eyes, the bronze of a warm copper-brown tone. LENGTH 15 cmWEIGHT 526 gCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few tiny nicks, occasional light scratches. Provenance: From an old private collection in southern Germany, partly inherited in the 1950s and further supplemented between the 1960s and 1980s. The art of creating lifelike figures of animals in metal, known as jizai okimono, developed during the Edo period and is a fine example of outstanding Japanese craftsmanship. Meticulously constructed, these articulated figures were greatly sought after for decorative use. They were placed in alcoves alongside pieces of porcelain, pottery and hanging scrolls, and were the object of entertainment and discussion. Most early examples are made of iron, but copper, bronze, wood, and silver became popular in later designs.Popular subjects for jizai okimono included insects, fish, crustaceans, and even dragons. The present model is an extremely rare example of an arachnid.Auction comparison: Compare a related articulated bronze incense burner in the form of a grasshopper, 14 cm long, signed Watanabe and dated to the Meiji period, late 19th century, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 17 September 2013, New York, lot 3295 (sold for 6,250 USD).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 11

A GOLD LACQUER BOX AND COVER DEPICTING TAKARAMONO (LUCKY OBJECTS)Japan, 19th centuryWell modeled as a large sack covered with various brocade patterns including hanabishi, shippo, and hexagonal floral diaper, decorated in gold, silver, and black hiramaki-e with e-nashiji, further with a ferocious sinuous dragon, a symbol of the female lucky god Benten, and thick swirling clouds in predominantly gold takamaki-e with e-nashiji and kirigane. Richly detailed with rope tied around the sack near the superbly carved opening with gold-lacquered interior. The oval cover surmounted by a handle in the form of Daikoku's mallet (kozuchi) with wood grain lacquered in different shades of gold as well as floral and foliate decorations in gold hiramaki-e. The interior and base of rich nashiji. LENGTH 8 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and a few very light scratchesProvenance: Lempertz, Cologne, Germany, 11-12 June 1993, lot 1115. A private collection in Munich, Germany, acquired from the above.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 110

NOGAWA: A FINE BRONZE VASE WITH BIRDS AND FLOWERSBy the Nogawa company, sealed with the Nogawa company markJapan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely cast and supported on slender foot with tapering sides decorated in iro-e takazogan of rich gold, silver, suaka (copper), shibuichi and shakudo. The sides decorated with four separate motifs: two iris (shobu) plants in bloom and a small bud, an egret perched on a gnarled plum tree in bloom, three geese flying in a moon-lit sky above peony blossoms, and a sparrow perched on an autumnal maple tree. The base sealed with the company's mark.HEIGHT 24 cm (excl. stand), 27.1 cm (incl. stand)WEIGHT 581 g (excl. stand)Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear. The wood stand in good condition with minor wear and minor old repairs.With an associated wood stand finely carved in openwork.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 111

A FINE MIXED METAL BOX AND COVER DEPICTING HANDAKA SONJAJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Of rectangular form with rounded corners, supported on an aproned foot, the rims and interior of silver, the exterior with a sentoku ground decorated to the sides in gold hirazogan with small circular and fan-shaped reserves engraved with various bird-and-flower motifs including an owl, sparrows and bamboo, chrysanthemums, and asters, the cover with a central shakudo-ground panel decorated in gold and silver takazogan with Handaka Sonja standing and holding aloft his alms bowl, his pet dragon writhing around him, the rakan's robe and dragon's scales finely carved, their faces well detailed, the clouds emanating from the bowl and surrounding the figures in silver hirazogan with subtly engraved swirls, all enclosed by a neatly incised rope-twist border encircled by flowerheads borne on scrolling vines. SIZE 4.5 x 9.5 x 7.8 cmWEIGHT 364 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, light scratches mostly to the base and interior, minor rubbing and wear to some inlays.Provenance: From an old German private collection, acquired before 2007. The rakan Handaka Sonja (Arhat Panthaka) is one of the sixteen disciples of Buddha often depicted together. In Japanese art he is usually shown accompanied by his pet dragon, which he keeps in a bowl (as here) or in a gourd.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 116

A SUPERB KOMAI-STYLE GOLD AND SILVER INLAID BRONZE VASE WITH MONKEYSJapan, Kyoto, Meiji period (1868-1912)Of baluster form, supported on a spreading foot with slightly concave base, the straight shoulder surmounted by the short-waisted neck and galleried rim. Finely decorated in gold and silver nunomezogan and takazogan with two shaped panels enclosing numerous monkeys huddled together in various poses, some constituting the sambiki saru motif, also referred to as the three wise monkeys, using their hands to cover their own or each other's ears, eyes, or mouth, the simians further well detailed with finely incised fur and gold eyes. The panels are reserved against a silver-inlaid ground of various brocade patterns, above stylized waves and dew drops at the foot, and below foliate scroll and chrysanthemum flowerheads to the shoulder, finely engraved clouds to the neck, and a silver-inlaid key-fret band around the rim. HEIGHT 16 cmWEIGHT 467 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and few tiny nicks.Provenance: From a private collection in southern Germany, acquired before 2007.The present vases are decorated in the manner of the famous Komai workshop of Kyoto. The Komai workshop is believed to have been founded in 1841, but it was only when Komai Otojiro I became its head, in 1865, that the company began to make the wares for which they were to become so famous. Under his leadership, the workshop specialized in intricate inlaid work of gold and silver into iron. In a promotional brochure from around 1915 his son, Komai Otojiro II (his father having retired in 1906) called his workshop the 'pioneer of damascene work' and describes the lacquering process of the characteristic black ground, which required kiln firing and burnishing. The Komai style developed with an increasingly pictorial central motif on a background of both geometric patterns and free illustrations of nature, life, and landscapes with elaborate repeating borders. Most of these central motifs illustrate stories from Japanese history or mythology, and the Komai family retains a number of design books in which can be found drawings for many of their works.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 117

NAOYUKI: A SUPERB CLOISONNE ENAMEL AND SHIBAYAMA INLAID FLORIFORM VASE WITH MANDARIN DUCKS (OSHIDORI)By Naoyuki, signed NaoyukiJapan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Standing on three lobed feet and rising to a bulbous body, the long neck with a flaring floral rim, embellished to the feet, shoulder, and neck with stunning bright enamels featuring floral designs of cherry blossoms and kiku medallions, the body with two lobed panels bearing a gold-lacquered kinji ground and inlaid in the Shibayama style with horn, mother-of-pearl, bone, and coral, depicting on one side a pair of Mandarin ducks (oshidori) beneath an opulently flowering cherry tree, and to the other side with an ornate flower basket. The silver body further incised with katakiri-bori showing various flowers and applied with two enameled mythical beast handles. Signed underneath within a rectangular gilt reserve NAOYUKI.HEIGHT 19 cmWEIGHT 150 gCondition: Good condition with minor tarnishing to silver, few tiny losses to inlays. Presenting beautifully.Auction comparison:Compare a related inlaid silver and cloisonne-enamel vase with closely related mythical beast handles, by Nemoto, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 11 May 2017, London, lot 419 (sold for GBP 3,750).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 118

SANSO: A SUPERB CLOISONNE ENAMEL DECORATED SILVER BOX AND COVERBy Sanso, signed SansoJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Of rectangular form, elaborately decorated in high relief with richly colored enamels, the hinged cover with flowering chrysanthemum, peony, lotus, and aster as well as leaves, the long sides each with wisteria hanging from leafy vines, the short sides with blossoming shobu (iris9 and grasses rising from a subtly engraved pond. Signed to one side SANSO.SIZE 6.3 x 10.2 x 7 cmWEIGHT 373 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, traces of use, few small dents and minuscule nicks, occasional light scratches, areas of minor tarnish mostly to interior.With a brocade silk storage box. Auction comparison:Compare a closely related larger enamel-decorated silver box dated to the Meiji period, 17 cm long, at Bonhams, Japanese Works of Art, 19 March 2009, New York, lot 393 (sold for 6,710 USD).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 119

A MASTERFUL SILVER AND CLOISONNE ENAMEL KORO (INCENSE BURNER AND COVER), ATTRIBUTED TO HIRATSUKA MOHEIAttributed to Hiratsuka Mohei (born 1836), unsignedJapan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)The cup-form body set on a spreading foliate foot and rising to a tapered shoulder, flanked by two scroll-form handles, the interior fitted with a removable silver liner, surmounted by a domed cover with a floral finial. The body decorated with two shaped panels pierced and carved in high relief and worked in bright enamels and silver wire with a rooster and hen amid leafy chrysanthemums and peony to one side and two butterflies fluttering amid chrysanthemums and asters to the other, the cover similarly decorated with a single beetle amid chrysanthemum, prunus blossoms, and other flowers. The foot, handles, and shoulder worked in translucent enamels and silver wire with butterfly, floral, cloud, and geometric designs.HEIGHT 14.7 cmWEIGHT 516 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and manufacturing irregularities, few tiny dents, few light surface scratches.The enamel work on this piece is by Hiratsuka Mohei (b. 1836), who contributed similar decoration to several silver pieces in the Khalili and other collections (see Literature comparison).Literature comparison: For two similar examples of a metal koro and cover by Hiratsuka Mohei, see O. Impey, M. Fairley (eds.), Meiji No Takara: Treasures Of Imperial Japan: Metalwork Vol I, London 1995, nos. 61 and 62, in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection, and for two more examples of a similar koro and cover, see the Sano Museum (ed.), Kindai Shippo no Hana, Meiji no Shippo, p. 98, nos. 144 and 145.Auction comparison: Compare a related silver and cloisonne enamel incense burner by Hiratsuka Mohei, 12.1 cm high, at Bonhams, 12 September 2018, New York, lot 1214 (sold for 23,750 USD).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 12

A VERY RARE AND SUPERB INLAID LACQUER BOX AND COVER DEPICTING LUNAR HARESJapan, 19th centuryOf rounded rectangular form, the kinji ground finely decorated in gold, silver, and copper takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, and togidashi with kirigane as well as inlays of aogai (mother-of-pearl) to depict two hares amid leafy chrysanthemums, lilies, other flowers, and clovers as well as craggy rocks, the cover further with three silver-lacquered kana characters in cursive script (ashide) reading 'Tsuki no yo' ('The moon at night'). The hares' eyes are inlaid with coral and amber. The base and interior of nashiji, the interior with gold fundame edges, the rims of silver.SIZE 7 x 15.3 x 11.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.Provenance: The Strong National Museum of Play, accession number 75.1892 (lacquered to the base). Old collector's label '#16' to base. Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969) grew up in a prosperous family of collectors. Her interests ranged so widely that by 1960 she had amassed more than 27,000 collectible items and works of art. The vast majority of her collections related in some way to play and as her collection grew, Margaret planned a museum to house it. It eventually opened to the public in 1982 and grew dramatically over the following decades, expanding its collections, facilities, and resources, now spanning over 285,000 square feet. Today, the Strong National Museum of Play (known as just The Strong Museum or simply The Strong) is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the study of play.The inscription on the present box, coupled with the two hares, is an allusion to the lunar hare, a mythical figure who lives on the moon in Far Eastern folklore, based on pareidolia interpretations that identify the dark markings on the near side of the moon as a rabbit or hare. 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.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 121

NAMIKAWA YASUYUKI: A SUPERB BLACK-GROUND MINIATURE CLOISONNE ENAMEL VASEBy Namikawa Yasuyuki (1845-1927), signed Kyoto NamikawaJapan, Kyoto, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)The tapering ovoid body supported on a short foot and rising to a short neck with flat everted rim, with silver mounts. The black ground finely decorated in bright enamels with a butterfly fluttering above pink buds and blossoms borne on leafy meandering stems. Signed on a silver tablet to the base KYOTO NAMIKAWA.HEIGHT 7.5 cmWEIGHT 49 gCondition: Good condition with minor wear, minimal pitting, a small bruise to the shoulder with associated fine hairlines, the foot with a tiny nick. Namikawa Yasuyuki (1845-1927) is widely regarded as one of the greatest cloisonne makers of all time. He won prizes at the Philadelphia World Fair of 1876, then at the Paris World Fair of 1878, and later at the 1889 Paris Fair. He was also honored at the series of National Industrial Expositions which was instituted in 1877. Altogether, he won 31 prizes at expositions both at home and abroad. In 1896, together with the unrelated Namikawa Sosuke, Yasuyuki was appointed as a Teishitsu Gigeiin, or 'Imperial Artist', the only two cloisonne makers to have been so honored.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related black-ground cloisonne vase by the same maker, with a similar design and also signed Kyoto Namikawa, 7.6 cm high, at Christie's, Innovative Japanese Design: Art of the Meiji Period, 18 November 2015, New York, lot 5 (sold for USD 10,000).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 122

GONDA HIROSUKE: A FINE CLOISONNE ENAMEL VASEBy Gonda Hirosuke (1865-1937), signed with the mark of Gonda HirosukeJapan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Of quadrangular form with an ovoid body, short spreading foot, waisted neck, and flat everted rim, the rims of silver. The exterior finely decorated with silver and gilt wire and polychrome enamels against a black ground with a maple tree and numerous blossoming flowers including chrysanthemum, bellflower, aster, iris, and lily. The base with a silver tablet with the impressed mark of Gonda Hirosuke in the shape of a flaming tama. HEIGHT 18.5 cmWEIGHT 268 gCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, minimal pitting, occasional light scratches, the mouth and foot rim each with few tiny nicks. Provenance: From a private collection in Northern Germany, assembled between 1985 and 2006.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 123

HAYASHI KODENJI: A FINE CLOISONNE ENAMEL VASEBy Hayashi Kodenji (1831-1915), signed Dai Nihon Hayashi Kodenji seiJapan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Of rounded square section, the baluster body supported on a short foot and rising to a slender waisted neck with flat everted rim, the rims of silver. The exterior finely decorated with gilt and silver wire and bright polychrome enamels against a black ground with a multitude of blossoming flowers including chrysanthemum, Chinese bellflower, prunus, peony, and iris, the neck and foot with stylized floral motifs, the recessed base incised with the signature Dai Nihon HAYASHI KONDEJI sei [made by Hayashi Kodenji in Great Japan]. HEIGHT 15.2 cmWEIGHT 178 gCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, minimal pitting, the mouth and foot rim each with a dent as well as few tiny nicks.Provenance: From a private collection in Northern Germany, assembled between 1985 and 2006. Hayashi Kodenji (1831-1915) was a pivotal figure in the history of cloisonne enameling and instrumental in the formation and leadership of the Shippo-cho enamelers guild, and it is probable that he worked for the Nagoya-based Shippo Kaisha. As well as being an innovative enameller he was also an astute businessman. Stories are told that in his early days he walked from Nagoya to Yokohama to sell his wares at a time when there was a long-standing prohibition on selling copper (which included the body of the cloisonne objects). He worked with his son, Kodenji II, for over 40 years and it is often hard to differentiate the work of the two makers. He exhibited and won prizes at many international exhibitions: Nuremberg 1885 (silver), Paris 1889 (silver) and St Louis 1904 (gold). In 1912, Glendining of London auctioned over 300 'Japanese cloisonne enamels from the Glasgow Exhibition offered for sale by Mr. K Hayashi of Nagoya'.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related vase at Christie's, The Japanese Aesthetic, 7 November 2012, London, lot 306 (sold for 11,875 GBP).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 124

A MIDNIGHT-BLUE-GROUND CLOISONNE ENAMEL VASE WITH SHOBU (IRIS) AND KIKYO (CHINESE BELLFLOWER)Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The baluster body supported on a short spreading foot and rising to a rounded shoulder with slender waisted neck and flat everted rim. The exterior finely decorated in gilt and silver wire to one side with blossoming iris and Chinese bellflower as well as grasses rising from the ground, above bands of circles and rinzu at the foot. HEIGHT 18.3 cmWEIGHT 306 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, minimal pitting, little rubbing to gilt.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 130

A RARE IMARI 'BLACK SHIP' VASEJapan, late 17th-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well potted, the globular body supported on a short foot and rising to a slender neck with a rolled lip. Finely decorated in iron-red, gilt, turquoise, yellow, blue, and black enamels to one side with two large ships, one with four masts and the other with three, over crashing waves, and to the other with two Dutchmen with characteristic curled hair and wide hats, one holding a cane in one hand, the other with conjoined rings, the neck decorated with brocade patterns. HEIGHT 31.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear to enamel painting and with few typical firing irregularities.Provenance: The Robert G. Vater Collection. Robert G. Vater was a German collector of European and Asian ceramics. He was the owner and director of a chain of leather clothing stores, who later began to deal in ceramics as well. The collection was put together in the 20th century and part of it (focusing on European ceramics, silver, and gold boxes) was dispersed at Christie's London in December 2021.Auction comparison:Compare a related Imari bottle vase decorated with Dutchmen and a four-masted ship, 45 cm high, dated to the 19th century, at Christie's, 12 October 2005, Amsterdam, lot 45 (sold for 28,200 EUR).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 17

TANAKA OSAMU: A BLACK LACQUER NATSUME (TEA CADDY) WITH MORNING GLORYBy Tanaka Osamu (born 1952), signed and sealed by the artistJapan, late 20th centuryOf typical form with a flush-fitting cover, the exterior bearing a glossy roiro ground finely decorated in blue, gold, and silver hiramaki-e, as well as aogai inlay, with an asago (morning glory) creeper, the curling vine issuing blossoming flowers and leaves. The interior of roiro.HEIGHT 7.1 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.With a wood tomobako inscribed 'Asagao makie, chu-natsume, Osamu saku, with the seal Osamu' 朝顔蒔絵、中棗、修作、印：修 [A medium sized tea caddy (natsume), with the design of morning glory flower, made by Osamu, with the seal Osamu]. An accompanying note lists the artist's brief biography.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 18

MURATA SOKAKU: A BLACK AND GOLD LACQUER NATSUME (TEA CADDY) WITH MAPLE LEAVESBy Murata Sokaku (born 1953), signed and sealed by the aritstJapan, late 20th centuryOf typical form with a flush-fitting cover, the exterior bearing a glossy roiro ground finely decorated in gold and red hiramaki-e with falling maple leaves, the base with a dense nashiji ground. The interior of brushed silver lacquer with gold fundame edges.HEIGHT 7.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear along the rims.With a wood tomobako inscribed, 'Momiji makie, o-natsume, Murata Sokaku, with the seal Sokaku' 紅葉蒔絵、大棗、村田宗覚、印：宗覚 [A large lacquer tea caddy, with the design of red autumn maple leaves, by Murata Sokaku, with the seal Sokaku.]. The accompanying document with the seal Sokaku 宗覚.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 19

SHIMADA SOSUI (ACTIVE 1970-1990): A RED AND BLACK LACQUER NATSUME (TEA CADDY) WITH KIKUBy Shimada Sosui (active c. 1970-1990), signed and sealed by the artistJapan, late 20th centuryOf typical form with a flush-fitting cover, the exterior decorated in part with gold hiramaki-e kiku flowers on a nashiji ground separated by a fine double line which separates the nashiji on the red ground. The interior of brushed silver lacquer with gold fundame edges.HEIGHT 6.1 cmCondition: Very good condition with only minor wear, few typical losses to the kirigane flakes.With a lacquered tomobako inscribed 'Fundamenuri makie natsume' 粉溜塗流水菊蒔絵棗 [A lacquer tea caddy in fundame-nuri lacquer finish] and 'Byokinshi, Sosui with the red seal Shimada' 描金師、其翠、印：島田 [Made by Sosui, a gold lacquer finish artist, with the seal Shimada].

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 245

A MAGNIFICENT FOUR-PANEL BYOBU SCREEN OF AN EAGLE PERCHED ON PINE, ATTRIBUTED TO NISHIMURA SOZAEMON, THE DESIGN BY IMAO KEINENAttributed to Nishimura Sozaemon (1855-1935), after a design by Imao Keinen (1845-1924), sealed Keinen 景年Japan, late 19th to early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Embroidery on silk. Mounted on six panels within a silk brocade frame attached to a black-lacquer frame with wheels. The majestic bird perched on a pine branch, wings resplendent, seconds before swooping down to grab its prey in its sharp talons, the pine overgrown with hanging vines which appear to wither away as winter approaches.Inscriptions: One seal to the bottom-right, Keinen.Condition: Fair condition with wear commensurate with age, few loose threads, minor losses, some light soiling and few tears. Overall presenting well.Dimensions: Size 59.5 x 165 cm (each panel), 174 x 264 cm (total)The Nishimura Sozaemon family founded a family business in the middle of the 16th century. The family, in the Chikiriya clan, currently operates as a textile wholesaler under the name Chiso Co. Ltd., which is one of Japan's oldest businesses. According to the surviving genealogical records of the Nishimura family, the Chikiriya clan was founded during the Koji period (1555-1558) when Nishimura Yozaemon opened a shop selling clerical garments in the Sanjo-Muromachi district of Kyoto. The clan's shop flourished in the 17th century, operating in more than 100 housing units. However, the only remaining direct descendants of the Chikiriya clan are the Nishimura Sozaemon, Nishimura Jihei, and Nishimura Kichisaemon families.Imao Keinen (1845-1924) was born to a family in the textile business (Iseya for Inosuke Imao) and trained from age 11 as a picture master to provide imagery for yuzen textiles. He first studied ukiyo-e style with Umegawa Tokyo, then turned to Suzuki Hyakunen, who favored the Nanga school. He named himself for his father's most beloved artist, Matsumura Keibun. He was hired at age 30 by the Nishmura Sozaemon company (now Chiso) to design embroidered pictures. He also worked for Iida Shinshichi (Takashimaya), and would win prizes at the 1893 Columbian World's Fair in Chicago, followed by a silver medal for the 1900 Paris Exposition Unverselle, and a gold medal at the Saint Louis World Exposition. Beginning in 1888, he taught at Kyoto Prefectural School of Painting, and would become an Imperial Artist in 1904, following his gold medal in Saint Louis. He was elected as a member of the Imperial Art Academy in 1919. He specialized in bird and flower paintings and prints.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 269

A FINE GOLD AND SILVER INLAID IRON TRAY DEPICTING BUTTERFLIES AND PEONYJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely cast and elaborately decorated with gold, silver, and shibuichi inlays, the tray is of oval form with a straight rim. The interior inlaid with large peony blossom borne on a leafy stem growing from craggy rockwork with two butterflies flittering above, all framed within a double-line reserve surrounded by silver karakusa. The rim is decorated with a silver inlaid hanabishi pattern.LENGTH 35.6 cmWEIGHT 1,239.1 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, light scratches, and microscopic nicks.With a fitted wooden display stand.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 27

A FINE LACQUER SUZURIBAKO DEPICTING A SAMURAIJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912) to Taisho period (1912-1926)Of rectangular form with rounded corners, bearing a lustrous roiro ground finely decorated to the flush-fitting cover with gold and colored takamaki-e with hiramaki-e, kirikane, and mura-nashiji to depict a samurai riding his galloping horse and holding a long bamboo stick. The base and interior of rich nashiji, the interior further with gold fundame edges, the interior cover with gold and black hiramaki-e depicting a sho, flute, and hand drum, the removable ita (baseboard) fitted with a silver circular waterdropper (suiteki) decorated in relief with a man writing on a tree as well as an inkstone (suzuri), further with an inscribed brush. SIZE 7 x 25.5 x 22.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few tiny nicks, occasional light scratches, the interior with few minuscule flakes to edges, the cover with few minor age cracks.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 270

MASATOSHI: A LARGE KOMAI-STYLE MIXED-METAL-INLAID BRONZE BOX AND COVERBy Masatoshi, signed Masatoshi sakuJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Of rectangular form, supported on four short bracket feet, the flush-fitting cover and the sides lacquered black and decorated in gold and silver hirazogan and nunome-zogan, the cover featuring a landscape with a shrine and temple surrounded by lush trees, with Mount Fuji in the background, the sides with two dragons, a seahawk causing crashing waves with its wings, two cranes amid bamboo, and huts in a river landscape, the silvered interior engraved with a sparrow and flowering prunus. SIZE 15.4 x 27.5 x 18.4 cmWEIGHT 3,391 gCondition: Good condition with some wear and minor rubbing to inlays, small dents and nicks here and there, light scratches, the base slightly loose.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 271

KANEYOSHI: A PAIR OF GOLD AND SILVER INLAID BRONZE BALUSTER VASES WITH LONG-TAILED ROOSTERS (ONAGADORI)By Kaneyoshi, signed KaneyoshiJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Each finely cast, supported on a short round foot and rising to a rounded shoulder surmounted by a short neck with flared and rounded mouth. The shibuichi body is decorated with elaborate gold, silver, suaka (copper), and bronze inlays with a long-tailed rooster and hen standing beneath a large magnolia tree in bloom. Each is signed KANEYOSHI along the lower half of the body.HEIGHT 17.8 cm and 17.9 cmWEIGHT 789.1 g and 821.5 gCondition: Excellent condition with only minor wear.Auction comparison:Compare a near-identical pair of vases of slightly larger size, 24 cm high, at Christie's, The Avo Krikorian Collection: Innovation and Inspiration of Meiji Period Design, 19 February 2007, lot 87 (sold for CHF 5,040).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 282

KANEMOTO: A WAKIZASHI IN KOSHIRAEJapan, the blade 17th century, early Edo period (1615-1868), the mounts 19th centuryThe blade: The sugata is shinogi-zukuri with iori mune, chu-kissaki, and torii-sori. The hamon is sanbon-sugi with some notare, the boshi is notare-komi, all with much nie and nioi, with ashi and sunagashi. The ubu nakago with one mekugi-ana, haagari jiri, and the mei reading KANEMOTO. The mounting: Comprising a roiro-lacquered saya; a rayskin tsuka with dark-blue tsuka-ito; a shakudo kashira with gold and silver takazogan depicting Chokaro Sennin, and similarly crafted fuchi with two horses and a double gourd; a gilt-copper one-piece koshi-yujo habaki; an openwork iron tsuba of lobed design with pierced inome.NAGASA 41.5 cm, TOTAL LENGTH 55.9 cm (the blade)Condition: Overall good condition, the blade with some wear, traces of use, minor ware and fukure, small blisters, minuscule nibbles, the saya with losses, flaking, cracks to lacquer. 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 actual ly comes to pass, akin to the flight of pigs in the English-speaking world. The present fuchi presents an even unlikelier occurrence, namely two horses emerging from the gourd.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 284

A WAKIZASHI IN SHIRASAYAJapan, Edo period (1615-1868)The sugata is shinogi-zukuri with iori mune, chu-kissaki, and torii-sori. The wide hamon is notare with little midare, with pronounced nie and nioi as well as ashi. The hada is masame. The silver etchu-kise-habaki with koshi-yujo. The silver etchu-kise-habaki with koshi-yujo. The nakago with two mekugi-ana and kiri jiri. With a purple silk cover. NAGASA 41.5 cm, TOTAL LENGTH 54.4 cm (the blade) and 61.7 cm (the shirasaya)Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, a tiny nick to the edge of the blade near the kissaki, and minor blisters mostly at the mune.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 287

NOBUYOSHI: A WAKIZASHI IN SHIRASAYA WITH SAYAGAKI AND NTHK CERTIFICATEBy Nobuyoshi, signed Shinano no Kami NobuyoshiJapan, Enpo era (1673-1681), Edo period (1615-1868)The sugata is hira-zukuri with iori mune. The hamon is notare-midare with sugu yakidashi, with nioi and ashi, the boshi is notare-komi and komaru-kaeri. The hada is ko-itame. The silver one-piece habaki is plain. The nakago with one mekugi-ana, the tip is kuri-jiri, the yasurime is suji-chigai, the mei reads Rakuyo Shinano no kami, Fujiwara NOBUYOSHI.The shirasaya with a sayagaki reading Wakizashi, mei Rakuyo Shinano no kami Fujiwara Nobuyoshi, nagasa 1-shaku 4-sun 8-bu 5-ri. Accompanied by an NTHK certificate, no. 6432, with seven judges' personal seals, and dating the blade to the Enpo era. With a blue silk cover. NAGASA 45 cm, TOTAL LENGTH 59.2 cm (the blade) and 68 cm (the shirasaya)Condition: Good condition with minor wear, the edge of the blade with two short chips near the kissaki, few minor blisters.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 288

A DAISHO OF TWO WAKIZASHI, ONE BY KUNIHIRA AND WITH REGISTRATION CARDThe longer wakizashi by Kunihira, signed Gashu ju Fujiwara KunihiraJapan, Edo period (1615-1868)The blades: The longer wakizashi of shinogi-zukuri with iori mune, chu-kissaki, and torii-sori. The narrow hamon is suguha with little midare. The hada is masame. The nakago with one mekugi-ana, haagiri jiri, and the mei reading Gashu ju Fujiwara KUNIHIRA. With a registration card issued by the Kanagawa Prefecture Educational Committee on 24 May, Heisei 30 (2018), issue number 80301. The shorter wakizashi of u-no-kubi-zukuri with iori mune. The narrow hamon is gunome with some midare. The hada is itame. The nakago with three mekugi-ana and haagiri jiri.The mountings:Each comprising a silver and black-lacquered saya with minute aogai inlay; a rayskin tsuka; shakudo fuchi-kashira with gold takazogan highlights depicting dragons; gilt-copper menuki in the form of a dragon (the larger) and a squirrel with nuts (the smaller); a copper habaki with diagonal file marks; and an iron tsuba of kurikomi-kikka-gata with two hitsu. NAGASA 53.7 cm and 41.3 cm, TOTAL LENGTH 68.2 cm and 52.7 cm (the blades), and 86.2 cm and 62.8 cm (the koshirae)Condition: Overall good condition with minor wear, traces of use, tiny blisters, minor fukure, flaking and losses to lacquer sayas.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 291

TADAYOSHI: A HIZEN TACHI IN SHIRASAYABy Tadayoshi (4th generation), signed Hizen no Kuni TadayoshiJapan, Genroku (1688-1704) to Kyoho era (1716-1736), Edo period (1615-1868)The sugata is shinogi-zukuri with iori mune, o-kissaki, and torii-sori. The hamon is suguha midare in nie-deki the boshi is o-maru. The hada is masame. The silver one-piece habaki with diagonal file marks and chiseled 'dew drops'. The ubu nakago with one mekugi-ana, kuri jiri, kiri yasurime, and mei reading Hizen no Kuni TADAYOSHI.With a registration card issued by the Chiba Educational Committee, issue number 055005, noting the signature, nagasa, sori curvature, number of mekugi-ana.NAGASA 66.3 cm, SORI CURVATURE 1.7 cm, TOTAL LENGTH 86.5 cm (the blade) and 94 cm (the shirasaya)Condition: Excellent condition, minor wear, traces of use.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 292

SHOAMI YUKIMITSU: A FINE SHIBUICHI TSUBA DEPICTING THE WHITE HARE OF INABA LEAPING OVER WAVES By Shoami Yukimitsu, signed Matsuyama junin Shoami YukimitsuJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The shibuichi tsuba of marugata shape, with a kozuka hitsu-ana, the kogai hitsu-ana plugged with suaka ategane, finely worked in sukashi-bori and gold and silver takazogan, depicting a hare hopping over waves, the water spritzing mist, signed Matsuyama no junin SHOAMI YUKIMITSU [Shoami Yukimitsu who lived in Matsuyama].HEIGHT 8.1 cm, LENGTH 7.8 cmWEIGHT 131.1 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.With a fitted tomobako storage box, inscribed to the box 'Shoami Usagi no zu' and '1093.'The playful motif refers to the story of inaba no shirousagi (The White Hare of Inaba), from the Records of Ancient Matters (Kojiki, ca. 710). According to this legend, a white rabbit crossed the ocean from Okino Island to the mainland at Inaba by using the backs of sharks as stepping stones and in doing so appeared to be running over the tops of the waves. This text was later referenced in the Noh play Chikubushima (Chikubushima Island), which describes the moon's reflection in Lake Biwa as a rabbit (a legendary inhabitant of the moon) running over the waves.This artist is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on pp. 2381 (H 12412.0).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 302

GOTO SHINJO: A FINE GOTO SCHOOL SUAKA TSUBA WITH GOKOKU By Goto Shinjo, signed Goto Mitsuyoshi with kakihanJapan, Goto school, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The suaka tsuba of nade-kakugata shape, with a kozuka hitsu-ana and with some sekigane, bearing a masterfully executed nanako ground along the rim as well, finely worked in in iro-e takazogan of gold, silver, copper, and shakudo, depicting gokoku (five grains) or the five staple grains of Japan—rice, wheat, beans, and millet (awa and kibi). Signed GOTO MITSUYOSHI with kakhan (artist's cursive monogram). HEIGHT 6 cm, LENGTH 5.3 cmWEIGHT 96.9 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.Goto Shinjo (1780-1843) is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on pp. 1708-1709 (H 08644.0) and was the first son of Goto Keijo (H. 03082) who is listen in the Soken Kisho of 1781. The artist is considered the fifteenth master of the mainline Goto school and most of his work was in the classical style of the family school.Auction comparison:Compare a related Goto school copper kozuka by Goto Shinjo at Bonhams, The Paul Goodman collection of Japanese arrowheads, swords and fittings, 20 October 2015, New York, lot 137 (sold for USD 4,000).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 304

GOTO MITSUTERU: A FINE GOTO SCHOOL SUAKA AND SILVER KOZUKA WITH PEONY BLOSSOM Signed Goto MitsuteruJapan, Goto school, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The migakiji (polished ground) suaku (copper) finely worked in silver, gold, and suaku takazogan with a large peony blossom borne on a leafy stem with small, silver dewdrops resting on the leaves. The silver reverse engraved in katakiribori and kebori with two butterflies flying above a narrow stream. Signed to the side GOTO MITSUTERU.HEIGHT 9.6 cmWEIGHT 33.9 g Condition: Excellent condition, minor wear.With a wood tomobako storage box.The artist is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on p. 1100 (H 05447.0).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 305

YANAGAWA NAOHARU: A FINE YANAGAWA SCHOOL SHIBUICHI KOZUKA DEPICTING A ROOSTER AND HEN By Yanagawa Naoharu (born 1750), signed Yanagawa Naoharu and kakihanJapan, Yanagawa school, c.1800, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely decorated on a migakiji (polished ground) with takazogan in silver depicting a large rooster with a hen, with fine incision work to the plumage, the comb and wattle finely textured with its beak, eyes, and feet of inlaid gold. The reverse signed YANAGAWA NAOHARU and kakihan (artist's cursive monogram).HEIGHT 9.8 cmWEIGHT 36.6 gCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear. The artist is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on p. 1315 (H 06610.0). Yanagawa Naoharu (born 1750) was the son of Naomasa and student of Naomitsu.Auction comparisonCompare a related Yawagawa school shakudo nanako tsuba with a rooster and hen, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art, 5 November 2014, London, lot 16 (sold for GBP 1,625).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 307

HAMANO YASUYUKI: A FINE HAMANO SCHOOL SHIBUICHI KOZUKA DEPICTING KANZAN AND JITTOKU ON A MOONLIT NIGHT By Hamano Nara Yasuyuki (1736-1836), signed Yasuyuki and sealed YasuyukiJapan, Hamano school, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The shibuichi kozuka very finely worked in iro-e takazogan of gold, silver, and copper depicting Kanzan and Jittoku holding a scroll and standing beneath a tall pine, etched with fine katakiribori, on a cloudy moonlit night. The reverse incised with wavy lines, signed YASUYUKI and sealed.HEIGHT 9.7 cmWEIGHT 27 gWith a fitted tomobako storage box inscribed on the reverse of the lid naming the artist, and signed by the collector Zaiya, a name used by Torigoe Kazutaro, dated 1967. Torigoe Kazutaro was an expert of Japanese swords, writing several books on swords and sword fittings in the 1960s and 1970s. Since his death, his large collection of swords and sword fittings have spread far and wide, easily recognizable by the inscribed tomobako boxes bearing his red-stamp seal.Condition: Very good condition with only minor wear and a few light nicks to edges.The artist is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on p. 2224 (H 11367.0). He was a student of Toyama Naoyuki. He later studied with Hamano Naoyuki and travelled in the Osaka and Akashi regions. After the age of 40 he settled in Tokushima and was retained by the Hachisuka family as master metalworker.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 312

SHOZUI: A CHARMING HAMANO SCHOOL SUAKA AND SHAKUDO KOZUKA DEPICTING A PILGRIM SIGNING A PILLAR Signed ShozuiJapan, Hamano school, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely worked in takazogan with gold, silver, and suaka (copper) depicting a charming pilgrim standing on his toes writing the name of the Kozuka artist on a temple pillar. The tall column the pilgrim stands beneath with two gold hirazogan senjafuda (votive stickers) which are inscribed. The reverse with a migakiji (polished) shakudo ground. The pillar signed SHOZUI.HEIGHT 9.7 cm WEIGHT 24.3 g Condition: Excellent condition, minor wear.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 313

ISHIGURO MASAMORI: A FINE ISHIGURO SCHOOL SHAKUDO FUCHI AND KASHIRA DEPICTING SWALLOWS ON A RIVERBANK By Ishiguro Masamori, signed Ishiguro Masamori and kakihanJapan, Ishiguro school, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely worked on a shakudo-nanako ground, the kashira and fuchi decorated with swallows, made of suaka (copper), silver, and gold shakudo takazogan, flying above a reedy riverbank with blossoming suisen (narcissus) plants. The fuchi signed ISHIGURO MASAMORI and kakihan.HEIGHT 3.9 cmWEIGHT 40.1 g Condition: Excellent condition, minor wear.With a fitted tomobako storage box inscribed on the reverse of the lid naming the artist, and signed by the collector Zaiya, a name used by Torigoe Kazutaro, dated 1967. Torigoe Kazutaro was an expert of Japanese swords, writing several books on swords and sword fittings in the 1960s and 1970s. Since his death, his large collection of swords and sword fittings have spread far and wide, easily recognizable by the inscribed tomobako boxes bearing his red-stamp seal. The artist is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on p. 900 (H 04225.0). Masamori is said to be a student of the first Ishiguro Masatsune (1760-1828). He was an independent artist within the Ishiguro school.Auction comparison:Compare a related Ishiguro school kozuka with a stag, signed Ishiguro Masatsune, at Bonhams, Arts of the Samurai, 27 October 2014, New York, lot 1185 (sold for 16,250).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 315

IWAMOTO KONKAN: A FINE IWAMOTO SCHOOL SHAKUDO FUCHI AND KASHIRA DEPICTING DOVE IN SUSUKI Signed Iwamoto Konkan and kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), Iwamoto school, mid-18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Very finely worked on a nanako ground with gold, silver, and shibuichi takazogan depicting birds roosting and flying above while others playfully hang from susuki (plume grass). Signed IWAMOTO KONKAN with kakihan.HEIGHT 3.9 cmWEIGHT 38.9 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.With a fitted tomobako storage box inscribed on the lid's interior naming the artist, signed by Dr. Sato Kanzan and dated 1964.Iwamoto Konkan (1744-1801) is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on p. 716-717 (H 03464.0). Konkan was the student and adopted son of the first Ryokan, heir to the second Ryokan, and fifth master of the Iwamoto family. He founded the larger Iwamoto school and originally worked in both the Yokoya and Nara school styles.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 318

ISHIGURO MASAYOSHI: A FINE SHAKUDO FUCHI WITH TRUMPET VINE AND SPARROWS By Jugakusai Ishiguro Masayoshi (1775-1862), signed Jugakusai Ishiguro Masayoshi and kakihanJapan, Ishiguro school, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely worked on a nanako ground, the fuchi with takazogan silver blossoms, shibuichi vines, golden leaves and shakudo sparrows. A single sparrow hangs playfully upside down on a branch while a second gold-backed sparrow flies to meet it. Signed JUGAKUSAI ISHIGURO MASAYOSHI.HEIGHT 3.8 cmWEIGHT 25.8 gCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear. With a fitted tomobako storage box inscribed on the reverse of the lid naming the artist, and signed by the collector Zaiya, a name used by Torigoe Kazutaro, dated 1967. Torigoe Kazutaro was an expert of Japanese swords, writing several books on swords and sword fittings in the 1960s and 1970s. Since his death, his large collection of swords and sword fittings have spread far and wide, easily recognizable by the inscribed tomobako boxes bearing his red-stamp seal.The artist is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on p. 1004 (H 048807.0). The family name was earlier Okamoto as Masayoshi was the adopted son of Okamoto Yusen. He was the student of Sano Naoyoshi and the first Ishiguro Masatsune.Auction comparison:Compare a related shibuichi migakiji fuchi and kashira depicting the moon with crows perched in a tree by the son of Jugakusai Ishiguro Masayoshi, signed Ishiguro Koreyoshi, at Bonhams, Samurai, Beauties, and Townsmen, 18 May 2023, London, lot 315 (sold for GBP 3,570).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 352

A LACQUER KISERUZUTSU, WITH EN SUITE LEATHER POUCH AND MARBLE OJIMEJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of muso-zutsu type, the black-lacquered pipe case carved continuously in shishiaibori (sunken relief) with a Shojo, who has fallen asleep, leaning on a sake barrel, next to a sake jar, all below a towering pine tree. A minogame (thousand-year-old tortoise) stands on its hindfeet, trying to wake the drunken mythical creature. The rim with a metal mount with a cord attachment in the form of an eyelet.Together with a marble ojime and en suite tobacco pouch (tabako-ire) crafted from leather and with a gold and shakudo kanamono (pouch fitting) depicting a sleeping Hotei. The reverse of the kanamono in stamped silver. HEIGHT 21.7 cm (the pipe), LENGTH 12.4 cm (the pouch)Condition: The pipe case in good worn condition with surface wear, age cracks, and minor losses. The pouch with wear and some typical crackling.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 353

A RARE TABAKO-IRE SET DEPICTING SHISHI AND PEONY AND DAIKOKU'S RATJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The sagemono smoking set consisting of a tonkotsu (tobacco box) decorated on one side with a proud shishi, its visible eye inlaid in gilt, seated next to a large peony in bloom, the verso decorated with an anthropomorphic rat (the companion of Daikoku) carrying a basket of fruit and fish. The two lucky gods Daikoku and Ebisu are carved in relief to the underside of the cover. The wood ojime is carved in the shape of Daikoku's hammer. The kiseruzutsu (pipecase) of senryuzutsu type finely carved with further peony and with a bamboo and silver kiseru (pipe).LENGTH (kiseruzutsu) 19 cm, HEIGHT (tonkotsu) 7.7 cm, HEIGHT (ojime) 3 cmCondition: Very good condition with only very minor wear.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 53

A SUIT OF ARMOR WITH AN EBOSHI KABUTO WITH PARCEL-GILT RABBIT MAEDATEJapan, Edo period (1615-1868)The components laced in blue, white, orange, green, and brown, and fitted with iron, sentoku, and gilt-metal hardware. The armor comprising a black-lacquered eboshi kabuto with a parcel-gilt copper maedate in the form of a rabbit – its plump body evocative of the moon – crouching amid crashing waves and a purple-laced four-lame shikoro; a lacquered iron menpo with red interior and lips as well as silver teeth, further with facial hair and a four-lame yodare-kake; a russet-iron do with printed leather and seven sets of five-lame kusazuri; a pair of black-lacquered six-lame sode; and pairs of kote, haidate, and suneate with iron kusari and plates. Condition: Good condition with some wear, light scratches, minor losses, the lacquer with expected minor cracks and minor flaking. The helmet with minor touch-ups to lacquer. With a wood storage box.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 58

A NANBAN-DO GUSOKU ('WESTERN STYLE ARMOR') DEPICTING FUDO MYO-OJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The components laced predominantly in blue and fitted with gilt-metal hardware. The armor comprising a thirty-two-plate sujibachi kabuto with a four-tiered chrysanthemum-form tehen kanamono, the mabizashi decorated in silver and gold nunomezogan with two confronted sinuous dragons centered by a tama, the fukigaeshi with gold-lacquered meyui mon, centered by a parcel-gilt maedate in the form of a fierce horned demon with protruding ears and kuwagata, all above the five-lame shikoro; an iron menpo with three-lame yodarekake; an iron do superbly decorated in silver and gold nunomezogan with Fudo Myo-o flanked by his attendants Kongara and Seitaka, fitted with seven sections of five-lame kusazuri; a pair of iron sode comprising a large plate with silvered and gilt raised decoration of the crescent moon, partly obscured by thick scrolling clouds above a single smaller lame; and pairs of kote, haidate, and suneate with iron kusari and plates.Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, light scratches, small dents. Museum comparison:Compare a closely related nanban-do gusoku, also depicting Fudo Myo-o, included in the exhibition 4000 Jahre Ostasiatische Kunst, Minoritenkirche Krems-Stein, 12 May-15 October 1978, and illustrated in the exhibition catalogue by Herbert Fux, cat. no. 520, color plate XIV.Auction comparison:Compare a related suit of armor, also with a do decorated in flat inlay to depict Fudo Myo-o, dated to the 18th century, at Christie's, 11 December 2018, lot 4 (sold for 75,000 GBP).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 64

A KOTO KATANA IN KOSHIRAE, THE BLADE ATTRIBUTED TO KAGA KUNI JU KIYOMITSU, WITH INAMI HAKUSUI KICHO ('PRECIOUS') WHITE PAPERAttributed to Kaga kuni ju Kiyomitsu, unsigned Japan, the blade c. 1504, the mounting Edo period (1615-1868)The blade: Shinogi-zukuri with iori mune, chu-kissaki, and torii-sori. The hamon is chu-suguha and the hada is itame mokume. The nakago is mumei, suriage with a kiri tip, with three mekugi-ana, and katte-sagari yasurime. The mounting: The koshirae comprising a roiro-lacquered saya, rayskin tsuka with silvery-black tsuka-ito, gilt-copper habaki, gilt-metal menuki with floral mon, iron tsuba, and shibuichi fuchi-kashira. The tsuba and fuchi-kashira are each finely decorated in gold, silver, and shakudo takazogan with shogi (Japanese chess) pieces. With a Kicho ('Precious') white paper certificate issued by the Nihonto Kenkyu Hakusuikai (Hakusui Japanese Sword Research Society) on 11 June 1950, signed and sealed by the Society's founder and president Inami Hakusui, confirming the authenticity of the present blade, dating it to around 1504, and attributing it to Kaga kuni ju Kiyomitsu. NAGASA 70.8 cm, TOTAL LENGTH 99 cmCondition: The blade in very good condition, commensurate with age, with minor wear, few tiny nicks, and small blisters here and there. The mounting in good condition, with minor wear overall, the saya with few shallow chips, minuscule nicks, and light scratches. Provenance: Dorotheum, 27 April 1993, Vienna, lot 250 (sold for ATS 90,000 or approx. EUR 12,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). German private collection, acquired from the above.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 67

A WAKIZASHI IN FINE SHIBAYAMA-INLAID SAYA WITH SNAKE AND INSECTSJapan, The blade Edo period (1615-1868), the mounting Meiji period (1868-1912)The blade: Shinogi-zukuri with iori mune, the hamon is gunome-midare with nioi, the hada is masame with itame. The silver habaki with diagonal file marks. The mounting: The dark wood kogai inlaid in mother-of-pearl and horn with a butterfly and a beetle. The wood tsuka and saya superbly inlaid in mother-of-pearl, bone, horn, tortoiseshell, and woods with insects including dragonflies, butterflies, a grasshopper, and a mantis, as well as a snake, a lizard and a spider, the kurigata in the form of a cicada, the kashira and kojiri carved with floral designs, the fuchi and koiguchi carved with bands of rinzu. NAGASA 35.5 cm, TOTAL LENGTH 50 cmCondition: Good condition, the blade with minor wear, light scratches, and small blisters here and there, the saya with some wear, light scratches, and few minor losses to inlays. Auction comparison: Compare a tanto with Shibayama-inlaid tsuka and saya at Galerie Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 28 October 2020, Vienna, lot 256 (sold for 8,216 EUR).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 69

A FINE MITO SCHOOL IRON TSUBA DEPICTING THE THREE SAKE TASTERS UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The iron tsuba of mokkogata form with foliate rims, with a kozuka and kogai hitsu-ana, the nakago-ana with some suaka sekigane, finely worked in gold, silver, suaka, and iron hirazogan with gilt highlights to depict the Three Sake Tasters—Shaka (The historical Buddha), Koshi (Confucius), and Roshi (Laozi)—convening around a sake jar decorated with geometric motifs, all below pines and scrolling clouds, the reverse similarly decorated with scrolling clouds and craggy rocks.HEIGHT 9.2 cm, LENGTH 8.6 cmWEIGHT 173.7 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.With a padded wood tomobako box.The subject represents Sakusui Sankyo with three sages, Shaka (The historical Buddha), Koshi (Confucius), and Roshi (Laozi), who are often depicted tasting sake from a jar. This depiction is a metaphor explaining that although religious or philosophical origins are expressed differently, ultimately, they are derived from the same source.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related Mito school tsuba with the three sake tasters at Sotheby's, Japanese Works of Art, Prints & Paintings, 9 November 2006, London, lot 924.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 73

A SUPERB HAMANO SCHOOL SHIBUICHI TSUBA DEPICTING A SOUTH SEA ISLANDERSchool of Hamano Shozui, signed ShozuiJapan, Hamano school, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The shibuichi tsuba of marugata shape, with a kozuka hitsu-ana, finely worked in a combination of iro-e takazogan of gold, silver, suaka, and shakudo, as well as katakiribori and sukashi-bori engravings to depict a continuous composition of a South Sea Islander, dressed in a loincloth, pulling and dragging a branch of coral which leaves fine prints on the sand, the full moon carefully carved out among the clouds. Signed SHOZUI. With a padded wood tomobako storage box.HEIGHT 7 cm, LENGTH 6.5 cmWEIGHT 121.8 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 75

TSU JINPO: A SUPERB SHAKUDO TSUBA WITH HAKURYO FROM THE NOH PLAY HAGOROMO By Tsu Jinpo, signed Tsu JinpoJapan, Goto School, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Ponting, Herbert (1922) In Lotus-Land Japan.The shakudo tsuba of marugata shape, bearing a masterfully executed nanako ground applied with takazogan nanako lattice and with a gilt rim. The kozuka and kogai hitsu-ana with shakudo nanako ategane, the nakago-ana with some suaka sekigane. Finely worked in iro-e takazogan of gold, silver, suaka, and shibuichi, depicting Hakuryo, the protagonist of the Noh drama Hagoromo, draped in the magical feather-cloak of the tennin as he watches her perform the celestial dance, suggested by the mesmerized look on his face, two Chidori flying high above. The reverse with a few birds flying as the haze moves in, signed TSU JINPO.HEIGHT 7.2 cm, LENGTH 7 cmWEIGHT 154.1 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and rubbing to the gilt.Provenance: Ex-collection Herbert Ponting (1870-1935). Herbert George Ponting was a professional photographer. He is best known as the expedition photographer and cinematographer for Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova Expedition to the Ross Sea and South Pole (1910–1913). In this role, he captured some of the most enduring images of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Less well known, he also left behind thousands of evocative images of Japan, and three Japan-themed books. Tsu Jinpo (1720-1761) is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on pp. 432 (H 02047.0) and was the student of Nomura Masamichi (H. 04166) and Goto Tsujo (H. 10775).Note the description provide by Herbert Ponting in the publication quoted above: "An exceedingly fine tsuba in rich black shakudo by Tsu Jinpo, illustrates the beautiful legend of Mio-no-matsu-bara. A fisherman finds a robe of feathers hanging on a tree and is about to carry it off, when a beautiful fairy appears and claims it. The fisherman declines to give it up until she dances before him one of the dances known only to the gods. This she does to an accompaniment of celestial music, and then flies away to the moon, her home. These simple touches, so characteristically Japanese — the net, the feather coat, and the fisherman looking upwards at the unseen fairy dancing in the air — are quite sufficient to convey the whole story, for everyone knows it by heart. The tsuba has a gilt band round it, the birds are gold, the fisherman's face is silver-bronze, and the feather-coat is of gold and copper."

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 79

HAMANO NAOHIRO: A FINE HAMANO SCHOOL SHAKUDO AND GOLD TSUBA DEPICTING ISE-EBI By Hamano Naohiro, signed Hamano Naohiro and kakihanJapan, Hamano school, c. 1850, Edo period (1615-1868)The oval shakudo tsuba with a kogai and kozuka hitsu-ana, applied in gold, silver, and shakudo takazogan with an Ise-ebi (spiny lobster) along with further New Year decorations and sacred shimenawa. Signed to the reverse HAMANO NAOHIRO and kakihan. HEIGHT 7 cm, LENGTH 6.7 cmWEIGHT 134 g Condition: Very good condition with minor wear.With a wood tomobako storage box applied with a Japanese label. The artist and his characteristic kakihan (artist's cursive monogram) are listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on p. 1318 (H 06628.0). He made inlays in the classic Hamano style, such as on the present piece.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 83

A FINE GOTO ICHIJO SCHOOL SUAKA TSUBA DEPICTING BIRDS IN WINTERUnsignedJapan, Goto school, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Joly, Henri L. (1966) The W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 3, Sword-Fittings, Tsuba, Metal, Tsuba and Sword, no. 2020, illustrated on pl. XLIV.The suaka tsuba of nade-kakugata shape, with a kozuka hitsu-ana, delicately worked in shakudo, silver, and gold hirazogan, as well as fine kebori and katakiribori engraving to depict the roughness of the trunk and softness of the branches, one side with a pigeon sitting on a shedding plum tree, the reverse with a barren tree on a winter day with a crow perched on its branch, the emptiness suggested by the polished, lustrous surface.HEIGHT 6.6 cm, LENGTH 6.3 cmWEIGHT 104.4 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.Provenance: Ex. Collection W. L. Behrens, collection no. 2020. Sold at Christie's, Arts of the Samurai, 16 June 1999, London, lot 378. A noted private collection, acquired from the above.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 84

A FINE BAKUMATSU SENTOKU TSUBA WITH BIRDS, PINE, AND MOUNT FUJI Signed Ichiinken Togyoku with sealJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The sentoku tsuba of mokkogata shape, finely worked in gold, sentoku, and silver takazogan, as well as kebori and katakiribori engravings to depict a gnarled pine tree with two squawking birds, the sun setting in the back, the reverse with a view of Mount Fuji, some birds in the distance, and signed ICHIINKEN TOGYOKU with seal.HEIGHT 8.1 cm, LENGTH 7.4 cmWEIGHT 133.9 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.With a padded wood tomobako storage box.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 85

FUJIWARA KATSUNORI: A SUPERB IRON TSUBA DEPICTING SCENES FROM NOH THEATRE By Fujiwara Katsunori, signed Fujiwara Katsunori sakuJapan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)The iron tsuba in the shape of a Buddhist temple bell crowned with kirin heads, finely worked in iro-e takazogan of gold, silver, copper, shibuichi, and shakudo, depicting a pair of Noh actors from the play Takasago in conversation, the old couple with fans in hand and dressed in mizugoromo decorated with foliate motifs. The reverse alluding to another Noh play, Kiyohime, depicting a Hannaya mask and striker. Signed FUJIWARA KATSUNORI saku [made by Fujiwara Katsunori].HEIGHT 9.5 cm, LENGTH 7.5 cmWEIGHT 124.6 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, some light malachite encrustations. This tsuba cleverly juxtaposes the eternal love and devotion imagined in Takasago to the pain of rejection and jealousy in Kiyohime. The two sides of the gong, where Anchin also faces his untimely death, present the range of emotions experienced in love to the viewer. On the one hand, the old couple in Takasago personify divine devotion to each other and on the other hand, Kiyohime alludes to the dangers of jealousy, infatuation, and revenge as if to warn one of the perils of love.The artist is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on pp. 594 (H 02858.0).Auction comparison:Compare a closely related iron tsuba with similar inlays, by the same artist, signed Fujiwara Katsunori koku, at Christie's, Japanese and Korean Art Online, 27 September 2022, New York, lot 9 (sold for EUR 3,276).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 86

NORIYUKI: A SUPERB HAMANO SCHOOL SHIBUICHI TSUBA WITH KANZAN AND JITTOKU By Hamano Noriyuki, sealed Noriyuki (Kuzui)Japan, Hamano school, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868)The shibuichi tsuba of nagamarugata shape, with a kozuka hitsu-ana, the nakago-ana with some suaka sekigane, delicately worked in iro-e takazogan of gold, silver, suaka, and shakudo, as well as fine kebori and katakiribori engraving to depict Kanzan walking on a sandy shore towards Jittoku, the tide slowly coming in, the reverse with Jittoku leaning against a broom as he gazes at the moon, both dressed in voluminous robes with foliate designs, the shore with shells and craggy rocks on stippled ground, signed with a seal NORIYUKI (Kuzui).HEIGHT 7.1 cm, LENGTH 6.5 cmWEIGHT 130.4 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.Museum comparison:A closely related shibuichi tsuba with the Chinese General Soso crossing the Yangtze River under the moon, bearing the same gold seal and by Hamano Noriyuki, is in the Walters Art Museum, accession number 51.124.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 9

A SUPERB GOLD LACQUER FAN-SHAPED BOX AND COVER WITH INTERIOR TRAY AND STANDJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The fan-shaped lacquer box bearing a beautifully lustrous gold kinji ground and decorated in gold takamaki-e with kirigane highlights on the cover with an idyllic landscape scene featuring a view of a temple behind craggy rocks, below clouds and towering pine trees, the blades of the fan inlaid in silver. The interior tray is similarly decorated with a family of quails beneath a flowering cherry tree, the rim of nashiji and embellished with formal hiramaki-e designs. The sides of the box feature Imperial crests of Ho-o (phoenix) and kiri (paulownia), as well as diapered manji and hanabishi designs. The gold-lacquered stand decorated with kiku (chrysanthemum) roundels in colored hiramaki-e and sublime togidashi-e. The interior and underside of the box, as well as the underside of the stand and tray, of dense nashiji.SIZE 10 x 14.2 x 24.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with only very minor wear, some slight rubbing, some microscopic nicks and losses particularly along the edges. The combination of the imperial symbols of Ho-o, paulownia, and chrysanthemum, along with the quality of this sublime lacquer box, likely indicates an imperial commission. Furthermore, it is very rare to find these types of boxes with their original stands and with the interior tray. Auction comparison:Compare a closely related fan-shaped lacquer box at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 28 October 2020, Vienna, lot 131 (sold for EUR 13,904).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 90

SANO NAONOBU: A SUPERB SILVER KOZUKA WITH FUJIN AND RAIJIN STORMING ABOVE A BIJIN AND ATTENDANT By Sano Naonobu, signed Sano Naonobu and kakihanJapan, Sano school, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely incised in katakiribori and kebori with Raijin and Fujin raging in a cloudy sky. Raijin pounding his drum as Fujin releases his bag of wind, consequently inverting the umbrella of the attendant which he holds over the elegantly dressed Bijin. Signed with in a quadrilobed gold hirazogan reserve SANO NAONOBU and kakihan (artist's cursive monogram).HEIGHT 9.7 cm WEIGHT 29.3 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and few microscopic scratches.With a wood tomobako storage box and label naming the artist and his lineage.The artist is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on p. 1335 (H 06742.0). Naonobu was the student and adopted son of Sano Naoyoshi. He worked as an independent artist of the Sano family school.Auction comparison:Compare a related iron tsuba engraved with a tiger by the same artist, signed Sano Naonobu, at Bonhams, Arts of the Samurai, 26 October 2022, New York, lot 112 (sold for USD 2,550).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 91

TAKESHISAI TOSHITERU: A FINE SILVER KOZUKA DEPICTING A WINTER SCENE OF A DOVE IN A WILLOW TREE By Takeshisai Toshiteru, signed Takeshikai Toshiteru and kakihanJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The silver kozuka finely decorated with takazogan in gold and silver with a dover perched in a snow-covered willow tree whose branches thin beautifully from silver to gold. The top and bottom edges gilt and signed CHIKUSHIAN TOSHITERU and kakihan.HEIGHT 9.8 cm WEIGHT 31 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and traces of use.With a fitted wood tomobako storage box, inscribed to the lid, and a label naming the artist and his lineage.The artist is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on p. 2075 (H 10593.0). Toshiteru was a student of the Tanaka school, but he worked more in the style of the Edo kinko group.Auction comparison:Compare a related shakudo tsuba, signed Toshiteru, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 16 June 2023, Vienna, lot 212 (sold for EUR 1,820).

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 92

A VERY RARE KAKURE KIRISHITAN (HIDDEN CHRISTIANITY) SILVER KOZUKA DEPICTING DARUMA With inscription Hinputei ka Hokko HitsuJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Engraved in kebori with the Zen-patriarch Daruma seated in meditation, looking up at the inscription inlaid in gold above a hazy ground. The reverse with a hossu (ceremonial Buddhist whisk) decorated with hirazogan in suaka (copper) and gold beneath a diagonal straited katakiribori ground hiding a gold inlaid cross. Inscribed on the obverse in gold hirazogan with a circle seal, Hinputei ka Hokko hitsu 貧富亭下、北公筆.HEIGHT 9.8 cmWEIGHT 32.3 gCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.This is the only appearance of this artist's name. The etymology of his name, literally translating 'Pavilion for the rich and poor,' creates a further mystery in light of the Zen, Buddhist, and Christian emblems which decorate this kozuka. Given the restricted approach to religious freedom within feudalism of the Edo period, the combination of motifs and the unusual etymology behind the artist's name is extremely rare. The maker and owner of this kozuka likely belonged to a small community of Kakure Kirishitan. Kakure Kirishitan ('Hidden Christians') are descendants of the first Japanese converts to Christianity who were driven underground in mid-17th century. During a time when Catholicism was illegal to practice, small communities met in secret, creating unrecognizable Christian icons by concealing them as Buddhist figures; icons, like the Virgin Mary, were molded to look like Kannon or Guanyin. This depiction of Daruma, with his monk robes, possibly represents a Kakure Kirishitan icon of Jesus or possibly John the Baptist, given the shared ascetic lifestyles shared between Daruma and the prophet.

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Galerie Zacke
Lot 96

YANAGAWA NAOTOKI: A FINE YANAGAWA SCHOOL SHAKUDO FUCHI AND KASHIRA OF BIRDS OF PREY By Yanagawa Naotoki, signed Yanagawa Naotoki and kakihanJapan, Yanagawa school, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The nanako ground finely decorated in shibuichi, gold, silver, and shakudo takazogan with birds of prey perched on the gnarled branch of a pine tree, their feathers masterfully worked in kebori with silver hirazogan stripes. The branches are polished with excellent katakiribori detailing. The fuchi signed YANAGAWA NAOTOKI and kakihan.HEIGHT 4 cmWEIGHT 39.9 gCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and traces of use.With a fitted tomobako storage box inscribed on the reverse of the lid naming the artist, and signed by the collector Zaiya, a name used by Torigoe Kazutaro, dated 1967. Torigoe Kazutaro was an expert of Japanese swords, writing several books on swords and sword fittings in the 1960s and 1970s. Since his death, his large collection of swords and sword fittings have spread far and wide, easily recognizable by the inscribed tomobako boxes bearing his red-stamp seal.The artist is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on p. 1344 (H 06798.0). Yanagawa was the adopted son and student of Naomitsu. Several examples of his signature appear in the Victoria & Albert Museum.Auction comparison:Compare a related Yanagawa school shakudo nanako tsuba with roosters, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art, 5 November 2014, London, lot 16 (sold for GBP 1,625).

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