Page 55 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

49 | OKATORI: AN EXCELLENT IVORY
NETSUKE OF A SHISHI WITH BALL
By Okatori, signed Okatori
Japan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A powerfully crafted ivory netsuke of a Shishi with one paw firmly
placed on a ball. The shishi has a characterful expression, mouth
opened baring fangs, reishi nose, inlaid horn pupils, a bushy beard
and curly mane, and floppy ears. The fur is finely incised, and the
masterfully carved bushy tail appears like flames flaring up over the
Buddhist lion’s back. The underside shows the crisply carved paws,
a beautiful yellowish patina and the signature OKATORI 岡隹 is
located on the right hindleg.
HEIGHT 3.5 cm, LENGTH 4.5 cm
Condition: Very good, complete condition. Few expected age cracks
and slightly rubbed patina.
Provenance: Austrian private collection.

Okatori was an important member of the Kyoto school and brother
to Yamaguchi Okatomo.
Auction comparison: For a very similar netsuke of a Shishi in a
different posture by Okatori, see Lempertz, Asiatische Kunst,
6 December 2014, Cologne, lot 708. The carving style is almost
identical – note the expression, hairwork, paws and particularly the
bushy tail. The patina is equally very similar.
Estimate EUR 8.000,-
Starting price EUR 4.000,-

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