Page 14 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

2 | AN EARLY IVORY
NETSUKE OF HOTEI
Unsigned
Japan, 17th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)

A very Chinese rendering of the lucky god
Hotei (in Chinese Budai), dressed only in
a loincloth, his features well-worn. The
backside shows a stunning glossy honey
patina and the himotoshi are deep and
appropriately worn.

HEIGHT 3.5 cm
Condition: Good, age-related condition 4 | AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE
with age cracks and stunning patina. OF HOTEI WITH KARAKO
Provenance: British collection.
Unsigned
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Japan, early 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) LENGTH 6.2 cm
Starting price EUR 500,-
Condition: Good condition with expected wear.
The lucky god Hotei is lying against his bag of treasure, his Provenance: British collection.
characteristically large belly protruding from his robe. A Chinese
boy climbs up over his back and rubs his smooth bald head. Large, Estimate EUR 1.000,-
deep himotoshi, indicative of an early piece. Stunning honey patina. Starting price EUR 500,-

3 | A RARE AND EARLY
MARINE IVORY NETSUKE
OF A BIZEN MODEL 5 | AN IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI
OF HOTEI
Unsigned
Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Japan, 17th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)
An amusing, early ivory
Faithfully modelled after a Bizen-ceramic netsuke of triangular shape
figure of Hotei. The pot-bellied lucky god when viewed from the top,
holds an uchiwa fan in one hand and the characteristically flattened in
cord of his sack in the other. The marine the reverse. Depicted is a jolly
ivory is worn and shows a stunning bare-chested Hotei, standing
patina in playful combination with with his treasure bag draped
the natural inclusions of the material, over his shoulder, his belly
creating a unique surface. The underside typically protruding from his
is hollow, as is usual for ceramic figures, robe. Himotoshi and beautiful
and functions as the natural himotoshi, glistening yellow-orange patina
the other being in the backside. to the reverse.

HEIGHT 4.4 cm HEIGHT 7.2 cm
Condition: The surface is worn with some Condition: Age cracks, expected
discoloration to the crevices. A small wear, beautiful patina. Good,
chip to the underside. Generally, in good complete condition.
condition with a stunning patina. Provenance: French private
Provenance: Old Zagreb private collection, old collection
collection. number ‘3.218’.
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 750,-

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