Page 239 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

268 | OZAKI KOKUSAI: A SUPERB IVORY
KISERUZUTSU WITH RAIN DRAGON

By Ozaki Kokusai, signed Kokusai
Japan, Asakusa, Tokyo, second half of 19th century

Of muso-zutsu form, the ivory superbly stained and the front
pierce-carved with a fine and expressive image of a coiled,
screaming rain dragon amongst billowing clouds, above an inome
(boar’s eye) design. The looped himotoshi surrounded by further
clouds, which extend to the other side. The insert is carved with
a circumferential band depicting highly stylized chidori (plovers),
fishing nets and waves. The signature panel in the reverse with the
full signature in seal form KOKUSAI 谷斎.

HEIGHT 22 cm
Condition: Very good condition, two small age cracks.
Provenance: British collection.
Auction comparison: For a very similar kiseruzutsu in stag antler
by Kokusai see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 15 May 2014,
London, lot 104.
Estimate EUR 5.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.500,-

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