Page 48 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

44 | RANTEI: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A TIGER
By Hogen Rantei, signed Rantei
Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Wood netsuke by Rantei are considerably rare, as he was known
to mostly work in ivory. The present netsuke is a fine example
by the Kyoto netsukeshi who was best known for his carvings of
animals. Note particularly the crisply carved paws, fine hairwork
with incised stripes, and above all the amusing expression as the
tiger looks upwards somewhat fearfully. Inlaid pupils and signature
on the underside RANTEI 蘭亭. Beautiful patina, especially to the
underside.

HEIGHT 2.7, LENGTH 4 cm
Condition: Good condition. One inlaid pupil is lost and replaced.
The position of the tail is odd; however, no damage is visible.
Provenance: Purchased from Christie’s London, 28 May 1980, lot
68.

Auction comparison: For another wood netsuke by Rantei, see
Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke
Part II, 10 May 2017, lot 105.
43 | AN EXCELLENT AND RARE BONE
NETSUKE OF A WOLF WITH CRAB Estimate EUR 2.500,-
Starting price EUR 1.250,-
Unsigned
Japan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Published:
Barry Davies Oriental Art (1996) Netsuke Through Three Centuries,
pp. 60f., no. 53.
Galerie Gemini / Ichimonji Art (2004) Galerie Gemini & Ichimonji Art
present an Exhibition of Fine Netsuke and Inro, p. 28, no. 79.
Exhibited: Galerie Gemini & Ichimonji, Munich, Exhibition of Fine
Netsuke and Inro, 15 May – 29 May 2004.

Carved from an unusually pure section of bone, depicting a wolf
or yama-inu (lit. wild dog), with its left front paw placed on a crab.
The carving is strong with pronounced ribs and powerfully carved
muscular limbs. The wolf has a long face with long laid-back ears,
large inlaid eyes and an intense, voracious expression. The fangs of
the hungry wolf are shown, unfortunately for the poor creature the
crab is certainly no feast. The unique structure of the bone coupled
with a strong patina give this netsuke a unique appeal. Natural
himotoshi between the wolf’s two right paws and its tail which curls
underneath its body to the side.
HEIGHT 3.8 cm, LENGTH 5.1 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with expected wear and natural
miniscule crackling.
Provenance: Barry Davies, then Galerie Gemini & Ichimonji Art, then
Luxembourg private collection.

In both publications this netsuke was erroneously described as
ivory, which is testament to the unique purity of the bone, which is
probably maritime.
Literature comparison: Compare the expression of the wolf to a
netsuke by Rantei in Coullery, Marie-Thérèse / Newstead, Martin S.
(1977) The Baur Collection, p. 338f., C1057.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,-

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