Page 32 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

25 | A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF THE 26 | A TALL WALRUS IVORY
GIANT KOCHI WITH WASOBIOYE NETSUKE OF A SARUMAWASHI
Unsigned Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

An unusual and large, stained ivory netsuke depicting a long- An unusual walrus tusk ivory netsuke depicting a tall standing
legged giant, presumably Kochi, carrying Shikaiya Wasobioye on his sarumawashi (monkey trainer) leaning on his long taming stick with
shoulders, one arm holding the latter by his leg. The bearded giant a finial in the form of a blooming peach. The mischievous monkey,
has a fierce expression, almost appearing like Shoki. He holds a dressed in a sleeveless shirt, sits by his feet and reaches up trying
mallet in his left hand, the drum tied to his side. His robe decorated to grab the peach. The monkey trainer laughs at this futile attempt,
with various patterns, the center with a diamond-like pattern, holding the peach firmly. The reverse with a small himotoshi.
surrounded by concentric rings and inlaid with four horn ‘buttons’.
Amusingly, Wasobioye’s head looks as if it was the crown of the HEIGHT 10 cm
giant’s hat, and his arms enveloped in the robe looking like the brim
of this supposed hat. Himotoshi through the reverse. Condition: The left leg of the sarumawashi and monkey are
restored. Several age cracks and a fine glossy patina.
HEIGHT 9.5 cm Provenance: Ex collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman.
Condition: Very good condition with age-related wear. Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Provenance: British private collection. Starting price EUR 750,-

For an explanation of Wasobioye’s story see Henri L. Joly, Legend in
Japanese Art, pp. 553ff.
Auction comparison: A related netsuke was sold at Zacke, Fine
Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 27 April 2019, Vienna, lot 160.
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-

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