Page 168 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

183 | ISHIKAWA RENSAI: 184 | KOKU: AN UNUSUAL IVORY
A FINE AND RARE IVORY OBI-HASAMI NETSUKE OF A KAPPA
MANJU NETSUKE OF A
BUDDHIST LION AND VAJRA After Ozaki Kokusai (1835-1895), signed Koku
Japan, Asakusa, Tokyo, second half of 19th century
By Ishikawa Rensai, unsigned
Japan, Asakusa, Tokyo, second half of 19th
century An expressive and unusual obi-hasami (inserted into
the belt) ivory netsuke in emulation of Ozaki Kokusai.
Depicted is a kappa, with glaring large eyes, the pupils
A superbly stained two-part ivory manju inlaid in dark horn, pensively holding his chin with one
netsuke carved in highly polished sunken hand, while supporting the arm with the other. Signed
relief within a lobed reserve depicting a to the reverse in sunken relief within an atypical
Buddhist lion sitting atop a three-pronged circular reserve KOKU 谷. The finely stained ivory with
vajra. The motif is very unusual, full of hidden a very good patina.
meaning and appears to be quite unique –
the Buddhist lion (Shishi) has the appearance HEIGHT 10.2 cm
of a rikishi (wrestler) and sits atop a vajra
(kongosho), therefore the motif is likely an Condition: Excellent condition, two thin age cracks.
allusion to the athletic temple guardians Provenance: French private collection.
more commonly referred to as Nio (Kongo
Rishiki). The lion has a fierce expression, Literature comparison: Compare to an ivory obi-
muscular limbs and wears a loin-cloth hasami netsuke in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai
belt (mawashi), all very much reminiscent the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, Part 2,
of a Nio. The central relief carving is set on a pp. 226f., no.203, also referred to as ‘after Kokusai’,
masterfully stippled ground emulating but certainly, like the present piece, of high artistic
the fur of a tiger, appearing like billowing value.
clouds.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Another possible interpretation is that Starting price EUR 1.500,-
the Buddhist lion is metamorphosing into
the Kongo Rikishi by receiving the tantric
power from the kongosho. The vajra is used
by esoteric Buddhism as an omnipotent 185 | KOKU: A FINE STAG ANTLER SASHI
symbolic vehicle embodying the power NETSUKE OF A BAMBOO STALK
of diamond and thunderbolt. The equally
beautifully stained backside with a florally After Ozaki Kokusai (1835-1895), signed Koku
rimmed himotoshi. The staining, reserve and Japan, Asakusa, Tokyo, second half of 19th century
depiction are typical for Ishikawa Rensai (see
Literature comparison).
Beautifully carved sashi netsuke made from a choice piece of stag
DIAMETER 4.4 cm antler, attractively stained and resembling a stalk of bamboo with
four nodes. The reverse shows the beautifully porous surface of
Condition: The exterior in very good the antler. Signed within an atypical circular reserve in sunken relief
condition with only one thin age crack and KOKU 谷.
minor wear to staining. The inside has been
fitted with a structure for cord attachment, LENGTH 19.4 cm
as the original structure may have been
damaged. Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Ancient collection Charles Provenance: French private collection.
Cartier-Bresson (1853 – 1921), collection no.
841. Charles Cartier-Bresson was a textile Estimate EUR 1.000,-
industrialist and art collector specializing Starting price EUR 500,-
particularly in works from Japan. He is the
great uncle of famous photographer Henri
Cartier-Bresson. Additional collection no.
‘149’.
Literature comparison: For another netsuke
of a Shishi on a vajra by Rensai see Kokusai
the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan,
Sydney L. Moss Ltd., 2016, no. 337. For an
ivory netsuke by Rensai with the same lobed
reserve see Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-
antler Carving in Japan, Sydney L. Moss Ltd.,
2016, no. 359.
Estimate EUR 4.000,- Portrait of Charles Cartier-Bresson by Jean-Matthias Schiff
Starting price EUR 2.000,- in the Museum of Fine Arts Nancy

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