Page 174 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

188 | HOSHUNSAI MASAYUKI: A SUPERB
STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A
ZOOMORPHIC WINE VESSEL
By Hoshunsai Masayuki, signed Masayuki
Japan, Asakusa, Tokyo, second half of 19th century
Published: Ducros, Alain (1987) Netsuke & Sagemono, p. 63.

A Buddhistic ritual wine vessel, the pouring aperture in the form
of a very unusual and strikingly bizarre ‘dragon head’, whimsical
in its appearance and with delicately carved features. The horns
of the creature emanate in two spiraling curls, similarly to the 189 | HOSHUNSAI MASAYUKI: A FINE
ornately crafted handle which appears to be the tail of the mythical STAG ANTLER RYUSA NETSUKE
creature. The vessel stands on four stubby legs and the center
of the composition is carved on both sides with varying motifs in By Hoshunsai Masayuki, unsigned
openwork, incredibly fragile but firmly in place – a testament to the Japan, Asakusa, Tokyo, second half of 19th century
unique hardness of the material. One side shows a very Chinese
congregation of tendrils and vines, with a flower in the middle.
Under closer inspection the flower appears to be in the shape of a Spectacularly carved in openwork, the front depicting a formal
stylized bird, a playful trait of the artist. The other side shows a star- design of lotus flowers and winding vines. The reverse shows a
shaped openwork pattern housing the asymmetrical himotoshi. The floral himotoshi surrounded by flaring arms which appear like the
vessel is surmounted by an elaborately crafted lid. The signature is sinous body of a rain dragon. The sides of the netsuke show the
found in seal form inside a square reserve MASAYUKI 正之. heavily porous spongiform material of the antler – what a feat to
carve around it in this manner!
HEIGHT 4.1 cm
The firm attribution to Hoshunsai Masayuki is owed to the formal
Condition: Excellent condition. design of the netsuke, which appears to be unique to the carver
Provenance: Collection Alain Ducros, then French private collection. and can also be seen on lot 188. Furthermore, the choice of pale
antler, and ability to carve from what some would call ‘useless
Though variants of this model exist, they are all unique in their material’ further underlines this attribution.
appearance, differing in size, the expression of the ‘dragon head’
and the openworked central structure. The present netsuke seems LENGTH 3.6 cm
to be slightly smaller and more delicate
with a uniquely whimsical expression. Condition: Excellent condition with natural ‘flaws’ to material.
There are four variants in Sydney L. Provenance: French private collection.
Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius:
and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, Part 3, For further comparisons see Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai
pp. 102-105, nos. 394-396. Another is in the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, Part 3, pp. 102-111,
the current stock of reputed dealer Max nos. 394-400. No. 400 is likely the best comparison – note also the
Rutherston. heavily porous spongiform material on the sides.
Estimate EUR 7.000,- Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 3.500,- Starting price EUR 1.500,-

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