Page 113 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

107 | NEGORO SOKYU: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE
OF A ONE-HORNED COILED DRAGON
By Negoro Sokyu, signed Sokyu
Japan, Osaka, mid-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Published: Östasiatiska Museet (1999) Netsuke, p. 38.
Exhibited: Östasiatiska Museet, Sweden, Stockholm, 16 October
1999 – 9 January 2000.

A perfectly compact and tactile composition depicting a one-horned
dragon with large protruding eyes and long whiskers. Its mouth is
opened, and the tongue is visible. The scales and dorsal spines are
finely carved. The underside shows the sweeping tail which forms
the himotoshi. Signed SOKYU 宗休.
LENGTH 4 cm
Condition: Very good condition with expected, minor wear.
Provenance: Ex collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman.

Negoro Sokyu was a skilled Osaka-born carver. He is best known for
his works in negoro-nuri lacquer. His works are extremely rare.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

106 | A POWERFUL WOOD NETSUKE
OF A COILED DRAGON

Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Published: Östasiatiska Museet (1999) Netsuke, p. 40.
Exhibited: Östasiatiska Museet, Sweden, Stockholm, 16 October 108 | A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAKE
1999 – 9 January 2000.
Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A relatively large and powerful wood netsuke of a coiled dragon
(tatsu), its double-horned head resting on its scaly body. The
scales are carved very well and accentuated with black lacquer. A fine model of a coiled snake, its head placed on top of its body,
The dragon’s expression is slightly comical as it lets out a snarl, the the mouth slightly opened and with glaring eyes double inlaid in
eyes inlaid in dark horn. The mythical animal has long whiskers, pale and dark horn. The scales of the winding serpentine body are
finely carved flames emanating from its body and a sweeping tail executed in neatly incised lines and the underside with fine curved
which forms the himotoshi. The claws which grasp its sinuous body lines, creating a naturalistic and anatomically correct representation
are wonderfully rendered. The wood of a reddish color with a fine of the reptile. The snake has a swollen section next to its head,
patina. indicating it has just enjoyed a meal. Natural himotoshi.
HEIGHT 4 cm, LENGTH 4.5 cm LENGTH 4.1 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor associated wear. Condition: Very good condition, one of the inlaid pupils is replaced.
Provenance: Ex collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman. Provenance: British collection.
Estimate EUR 3.000,- Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-

110 111