Page 127 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

126 | GYOKUSAI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE
OF SHOKI AND ONI
By Gyokusai, signed Gyokusai
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A dynamically crafted wood netsuke from Gyokusai, who was
known for his fine carvings, mostly in boxwood. The demon queller
Shoki is shown on top of an oni, with his sword drawn, pressing
him down and pushing his weight onto him. The oni is clenching
his clawed limbs, though his attempts to struggle appear futile. The
individual expressions are finely carved, the pupils minutely inlaid
in dark horn. Shoki’s robe is adorned with various patterns and his
finely incised beard is wild and flaming, flowing to his sides from
the sheer force of his advance on the helpless demon. The wood
is finely stained and accentuated. Natural himotoshi and minutely
incised signature GYOKUSAI 玉齋 in the back inside a wavy reserve.
HEIGHT 4 cm
Condition: Very good condition.
Provenance: European collection.
Auction comparison: For another netsuke by the artist see
Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 19 March 2013, New York,
lot 2160.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

127 | AN EDO
SCHOOL IVORY
NETSUKE OF
ASHINAGA
AND TENAGA
Unsigned
Japan, Edo, mid-19th century,
Edo period (1615-1868)

The pair of yokai-fishermen
from the Kyushu islands
depicted seated, Ashinaga
placing his long arms on
Tenaga’s long legs, which the
latter grips tightly against
his body. An amusing
composition with a fine
stain. Singular himotoshi
on the underside (the other
natural). Unsigned, however
125 | TAKUSAI: A VERY FINE WOOD NETSUKE Edo school and either by the
OF A NIO POUNDING MOCHI Ikkosai or Tomochika school.

By Takusai, signed Takusai with seal Gyo/Kyo HEIGHT 2.9 cm
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
HEIGHT 3.1 cm Condition: Good condition
with minor wear to details. A
The athletic temple guardian, with a fierce expression, tests his Condition: Excellent condition. spot of green discoloration to
strength by pounding two large Mochi cakes which are crackling Provenance: French private collection, formerly offered at Van Ham, Ashinaga’s elbow.
under the pressure. The carving is very fine – the Nio has expressed Asian Art, 4 December 2018, Cologne, lot 2284 (Estimate 3.200- Provenance: British
muscles, and flowing heavenly garments are carved in the back. The 3.600 EUR). collection.
underside shows his well-carved feet and the one of the himotoshi
ringed in bone next to the signature TAKUSAI 卓齋 with inlaid bone Estimate EUR 2.500,- Estimate EUR 1.000,-
seal Gyo/Kyo. Starting price EUR 1.250,- Starting price EUR 500,-

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