Page 43 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

38 | AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A 39 | OKAKOTO: A FINE IVORY
SQUIRELL AND GRAPES NETSUKE OF A COCKEREL
Unsigned By Yamaguchi Okakoto, signed Okakoto
Japan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
(1615-1868)

The cockerel or rooster (tori) sits proudly, its head turned Yamaguchi Okakoto, pupil and younger brother of Yamaguchi
A large Kyoto-school ivory netsuke depicting backwards, with finely carved plumage and long elegant tail Okatomo, was a brilliant carver and excelled at carvings of animals.
a squirrel with a finely carved bushy tail, feathers. The ivory shows a superb patina all over. The feathery bird His work is considerably more rare than those of other members of
scratching its ear. The rodent is seated on has inlaid eyes of dark horn. The underside shows the asymmetrical the Oka- school. The present piece appears to be the only netsuke
a leafy bushel of grapes and has large eyes himotoshi, the tucked in feet and the signature inside a rectangular of a cockerel recorded by Okakoto, though a couple are recorded
inlaid in dark horn. The underside shows reserve OKAKOTO 岡言. by his elder brother Okatomo.
a stunning honey patina and very good
asymmetrical himotoshi. HEIGHT 4 cm, LENGTH 4.5 cm Auction comparison: Compare to a cockerel by Okatomo, sold
at Bonhams, Netsuke from a European Collection, 8 May 2016,
LENGTH 7.1 cm Condition: Good condition with minor wear to the incised breast London, lot 38.
feathers and a very tiny, almost unnoticeable chip to the edge of
Condition: Very good condition. Expected the bird’s crest. Estimate EUR 2.500,-
age cracks and wear. Stunning patina. Provenance: French private collection. Starting price EUR 1.250,-
Provenance: British collection.

The squirrel is relatively rare in Japanese art
and is usually depicted in combination with
grapes. The ‘Squirrels and Grapes’ motif is
an important Chinese theme, first appearing
in the 16th century. It signifies good fortune
and fertility.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

40 41