Page 115 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

109 | AN UNUSUAL WOOD NETSUKE OF A HORSE
110 | AN AMUSING IVORY NETSUKE
OF A TIGER CUB ON BAMBOO
Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Unsigned
Japan, Kansai region, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A well-worn wood netsuke of a recumbent horse, its tail swinging
to its side and the legs drawn in for compactness. The horse The tiger cub with precisely carved fur still appears more like a
(uma) has its head turned backwards, its mane finely carved, and house cat due to its small size, its eyes amusingly wide opened.
(very unusually) biting into its behind, perhaps it is trying to clean The take (bamboo) is part of the stalk, polished smooth and
itself. The large eyes are double inlaid in pale and dark horn. almost white, serving as a fine contrast to the tiger. The body’s
Natural himotoshi through an opening between the right hindleg curvature shows a good appreciation of movement by the artist.
and the body. Himotoshi through the bamboo stalk.
LENGTH 4.8 cm LENGTH 3.8 cm
Condition: Good, complete, worn condition. Condition: Very good, complete condition. One minor age crack
Provenance: European collection. through above the elbow of the tiger, minor surface scratches.
Provenance: British private collection, acquired at Bonhams, Fine
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Japanese Art, 9 November 2017, London, lot 28 (1.625 GBP).
Starting price EUR 750,-
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-
111 | A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF
TWO HARES WITH AMBER EYES
Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The ivory finely stained and depicting two piebald rabbits with inked
patches of fur and inlaid eyes of glistening amber, seated next to a
rockwork. The individual expressions are incredibly charming – the
hare closer to the rockwork has a determined expression, one
paw leaning on the rock as it props itself upwards, while the other
faces in the other direction, upwards to the moon, and is simply
adorable. Small himotoshi through the backside.
LENGTH 5.3 cm
Condition: Good condition, possibly one tiny chip to one paw.
Provenance: German private collection.
Estimate EUR 2.500,-
Starting price EUR 1.250,-
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