Page 109 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

104 | MATSUSHITA OTOMAN: AN IVORY
NETSUKE OF A HORSE AND GROOM

By Matsushita Otoman, signed Otoman
Japan, Hakata, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

An early piece by the master carver Matsushita Otoman of Hakata.
Depicted is a horse led on a halter by his groom, all set on an oval
base. The horse’s saddlecloth shows a shippo design, typical for
Otoman. The horse has inlaid eyes of horn, typically inset at the
very bottom, a finely incised mane and a swinging tail. The groom’s
expression is very typical for the Hakata carver, so idiosyncratic
that one does not need to see to signature, to recognize his work.
Signed OTOMAN 音滿 on the underside of the base.
HEIGHT 2.9 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with expected wear.
Provenance: British collection.
Literature comparison: For a related netsuke by Otoman which is
set on a base, see the British Museum, museum number F. 663.
For another netsuke by Otoman depicting Shoki mounted on a
horse, see Barry Davies Oriental Art (1998) The Robert S. Huthart
Collection of Non-Iwami Netsuke, pp.188f., no. 135. Note the
similarity of the swinging tail of the horse.
Estimate EUR 7.000,-
Starting price EUR 3.500,-

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