Page 40 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

34 | MASANAO (ATTR.): A SUPERB IVORY
NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT GOAT
Attributed to Masanao of Kyoto, unsigned
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)

A superbly crafted ivory netsuke of a recumbent long-haired goat
with its elongated, smoothly polished horns curled around its neck.
The shaggy fur is masterfully carved, parted in the middle and
gently flowing down the sides. The goat has a trifurcated beard
which rests on his legs which are placed just below its head. The
expression is naturalistic, the pupils are inlaid in dark horn. The
underside shows a fine patina and the crisply carved hooves. The
larger oval himotoshi and tucked-in legs are both trademarks of
Masanao of Kyoto. Though the netsuke is unsigned, it certainly is at
the very least an excellent school piece.
LENGTH 5.5 cm

Condition: Good condition with expected age cracks. Old
restoration to one hoof.
Provenance: British collection.
Literature comparison: Compare to Coullery, Marie-Thérèse /
Newstead, Martin S. (1977) The Baur Collection, pp. 364f., C 1163.
Also compare to Barry Davies Oriental Art (1998) The Robert S.
Huthart Collection of Non-Iwami Netsuke, pp. 128f., no. 95.
Estimate EUR 30.000,-
Starting price EUR 15.000,-

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