Page 41 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

36 | A FINE KYOTO SCHOOL WOOD
NETSUKE OF A RAT WITH DAIKON
Unsigned
Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Finely carved as a rat (nezumi) with its front paws placed on a
daikon (radish). The ears are quite characteristic, the large eyes are
inlaid in black lustrous horn and the hairwork is neatly incised. The
well-carved tail curls around on the underside, grasped by one of
the rat’s paws, and forms the natural himotoshi. The wood of a very
good color with a fine patina.
HEIGHT 3.3 cm, LENGTH 4 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and minor
wear to the inside of the ears.
Provenance: European collection.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

35 | A POWERFUL KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE
OF A RAT WITH A BEAN POD

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

A powerful depiction of a rat executed in distinct Kyoto style, with
large bulging eyes inlaid in black horn. A smooth bean pod is carved
between its body and its tail, with the latter curling around and
grasped in the rat’s right hand, while placing its other hand near the
mouth. The composition is achieved very naturalistically, with some 37 | AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT ON A BROOM
parallels to be drawn to the rats of the great Masanao from Kyoto.
The ears are carved precisely, as is the fur coat. Himotoshi in the Unsigned
reverse. Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
HEIGHT 3.9 cm
This netsuke shows a rat on a wide broom lying flat on one side.
Condition: A section of the tail in the front has been restored very The rat is, unlike the broom, entirely smooth and brighter. It is
well. Otherwise good condition, with a very good patina and a few scratching one of its ears and has eyes inlaid with brown horn.
expected age cracks. Large irregular himotoshi on the underside of the broom.
Provenance: British private collection
LENGTH 5.1 cm
Auction comparison: A similar Kyoto school ivory rat was sold at
Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, New York, 20 March 2012, Condition: Excellent condition; age crack through the rat.
lot 2110. Provenance: German private collection.
Estimate EUR 2.500,- Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.250,- Starting price EUR 500,-

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