Page 161 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

174 | AN EARLY AND 177 | AN AMUSING STAG ANTLER TRICK NETSUKE
TALL STAG ANTLER OF AN OCTOPUS INSIDE A POT
NETSUKE OF
A DUTCHMAN Unsigned
Japan, Tokyo, second half of 19th century
Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period
(1615-1868) The pot finely carved simulating a wicker basket, the inside
revealing something movable. An octopus (tako) hides within the
pot, a play on the takotsubo motif, and when tilting the netsuke,
An early netsuke carved from jumps out. The tako has large inlaid eyes and his funnel-shaped
stag antler which has developed mouth is pressed forward. A copper loop is attached to the
a very appealing patina. The basket and functions as the cord attachment.
Dutchman, wearing his wide-
brimmed hat, has a grotesque HEIGHT (of basket) 3 cm
expression and holds a branch
with both hands. His beard and Condition: Excellent condition with natural ‘flaws’ to the material.
his hair at the back form finely Provenance: European collection.
carved curls and his well-carved
robe is flowing. Himotoshi Estimate EUR 1.500,-
through the back. Starting price EUR 750,-

HEIGHT 10.5 cm
Condition: Excellent condition
with few fine and expected age
cracks.
Provenance: English private
collection.
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-

175 | AN EARLY STAG
ANTLER NETSUKE
OF SHOKI
Unsigned
Japan, early 18th century,
Edo period (1615-1868)

A stag antler netsuke of Shoki
with his sword drawn, flowing
beard and grasping at a strand
of his hair. Good details to his
flowing robe. Unusually, he is 176 | A STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A KIRIN
wearing an artemisia leaf-cloak,
usually reserved for Sennin. Unsigned
Carved from a hollow piece of Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
antler, thus plugged at the top
and left hollow at the bottom for
the cord channel which leads to A stag antler netsuke depicting a baying Kirin in classical posture,
the himotoshi in the backside. its mouth slightly opened with sharp fangs, and with a finely
Good patina. carved mane, bushy tail and flames emanating from its sides.
The hooves of the mythical beast are drawn close to the body for
HEIGHT 7 cm compactness. Large asymmetrical himotoshi to its side.
Condition: Good, worn condition, HEIGHT 6.9 cm
old chip to one foot.
Provenance: French private Condition: Good condition, age cracks.
collection. Provenance: French private collection.
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 750,-

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