Page 206 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

230 | A VERY FINE AND RARE IVORY 231 | A FINE IVORY SEAL
SEAL NETSUKE OF A DEER NETSUKE OF TWO
EMBRACING GOATS
Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)
An ingyo (seal) netsuke with a square seal block
on which a finely spotted deer (shika) stands. This
deer is considered a messenger of the gods (kami A charming ivory ingyo (seal) netsuke
no tsukai) in Kasuga shrine in Nara Prefecture. Its surmounted by two finely carved
head is leaning down with finely carved antlers and goats embracing each other. The
inlaid eyes, the four fragile legs are carved extremely fur of the pair is neatly incised. The
delicately. The underside shows four characters polished ivory base is uncut. Natural
incised back-to-front as well as remnants of seal himotoshi.
paste.
HEIGHT 3.1 cm, LENGTH 3.3 cm
HEIGHT 3.6 cm
Condition: Very good condition with
Condition: Excellent condition. minor wear to ivory.
Provenance: Bluth collection with old label. Provenance: French private collection.

Estimate EUR 1.500,- Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,- Starting price EUR 750,-

232 | A RARE IVORY SEAL
NETSUKE OF A
DROMEDARY

Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)

A rare ivory ingyo (seal) netsuke of
a dromedary standing on its long,
frail legs and looking backwards with
a charming expression, the eyes
inlaid in dark horn. The long neck
and hump are characteristic for the
animal, which was imported by Dutch,
thus being often depicted with a
Dutchman. Loop for cord attachment
underneath the dromedary and the
incised characters underneath ‘Saibi’
conveying the philosophy of achieving
virtue by following good moral values.
Fine spots of honey patina.
HEIGHT 5.1 cm
Condition: Very good condition, fine
age cracks. Remnants of seal paste
on the underside.
Provenance: French private collection.
Auction comparison: Compare
with a netsuke belonging to the
same workshop, sold at Lempertz,
Asiatische Kunst, 7 June 2019,
Cologne, lot 466.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

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