Page 233 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

263 | A RARE INLAID AND LACQUERED CAMPHOR
WOOD TONKOTSU WITH FUTEN
Unsigned
Japan, second half of the 19th century

A very finely lacquered and inlaid tonkotsu depicting the Wind God
Futen, striding against the blowing wind, his hair and wind bag
262 | MASAHARU: A RARE WOOD TONKOTSU amusingly flowing. The wind bag is inlaid in mother-of-pearl and
SIMULATING A LEATHER POUCH Futen is worked in gold and reddish takamaki-e. On the reverse the
Thunder God Raijin’s drums and drumsticks in gold takamaki-e. The
Signed Masaharu (Seiji) underside of the lid with inscription reading Yoshino kusu 吉ノク
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) ス [Camphor wood of Mount Yoshino, Nara]. Camphor tree wood is
very fragrant and often used as material for Buddhist sculptures.
An elaborately worked set consisting of a wood tonkotsu (tobacco LENGHT 10.8 cm, HEIGHT 8.2 cm
container) and an ebony wood netsuke. The tonkotsu is carved in LENGHT tonkotsu 10.3 cm, HEIGHT netsuke 3.4 cm
relief with scrolling vines décor and shows a ho-o bird (phoenix) Condition: Minor wear to the edges and the lacquer, generally in
with an inlaid ivory crest and beak on the lid. A netsuke depicting Condition: Excellent condition. very good condition.
a ship with travelers inside is attached with a linked floral chain to Provenance: European collection. Provenance: German private collection.
the tonkotsu, both carved in ebony wood. The design simulates a
leather tobacco pouch but is in fact a tonkotsu. The netsuke signed Estimate EUR 2.000,- Estimate EUR 2.000,-
MASAHARU/SEIJI 政治. Starting price EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-

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