Page 149 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

156 | HIDEYUKI: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE
OF A CHRYSANTHEMUM FLOWER
By Hideyuki, signed Hideyuki
Japan, Tokyo, 20th century

This netsuke depicts a chrysanthemum flower, executed
naturalistically in a choice peace of ivory. The flowing stem on the
underside is expressed and the signature is found on an inlaid gold
reserve HIDEYUKI 秀之. Original inscribed wood box.
HEIGHT 2.5 cm, LENGTH 3.5 cm
Condition: Excellent condition
Provenance: Collection of Sam Felton. Acquired from Rare Art, Inc.
on December 30th 1982.
Miriam Kinsey (1977) writes in her book ‘Contemporary Netsuke’:
“[…] his netsuke are executed with his own original ideas and with
delicate, detailed, and meticulous workmanship. He is also a master
at carving plum-blossom and other flower netsuke.”

Interestingly Hideyuki was close friends with Kangyoku and Bishu
and they actively exchanged ideas. The affinities to their work are
present in this netsuke.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

155 | YASUFUSA: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE
OF A BITCH WITH TWO PUPS
By Saito Yasuo (Yasufusa) (born 1931), signed Yasufusa
Japan, Tokyo, 20th century

A very fine carving, depicting a mother dog with her two young
pups, all of them closely huddled together, their eyes double inlaid
in pale and dark horn. The hairwork and staining is superb, very
much reminiscent of the works of Kaigyokusai Masatsugu of Osaka,
who is known to have been a big influence for the artist. Note
the charming and playful expressions of the pups. The underside
showing the finely carved legs and the good, asymmetrical
himotoshi. Signed YASUFUSA 保房 inside a rounded rectangular
reserve. With the original tomobako (storage box), titled on the lid:
Sodachi yuku toki, meaning ‘nurtured its cherished offspring’, signed
and sealed on the underside: Yasufusa.
HEIGHT 3.2 cm, LENGTH 3.5 cm

Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: British collection.
Saito Yasuo (Yasufusa) is the cousin of contemporary master Bishu.
Auction comparison: Another fine netsuke by the artist was recently
sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 24 November
2018, Vienna, lot 115.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

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