Page 72 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

65 | MITSUSADA: A VERY FINE AND RARE 66 | OHARA MITSUHIRO: A FINE IVORY
IVORY NETSUKE OF A QUAIL WITH MILLET NETSUKE OF A PUPPY
By Ohara Mitsusada, signed Mitsusada By Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875), signed Mitsuhiro with kakihan
Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A beautifully stained and perfectly rounded ivory netsuke of a Finely carved as a charming, chubby puppy seated with one paw
plump quail with a leafy stalk of millet in its beak. The stem bends slightly raised, two of them pushed firmly on the ground and
from the weight of the naturalistically carved, thick bundle of grains another emerging from the underside. The puppy has its head
which drape downwards on the right side of its beak. Two elegantly curiously raised and the outline of the eyes are inked, the pupils
carved leaves extend from the stem over its back, and another minutely inlaid in black lustrous horn. The ivory is lightly stained,
one is carved underneath the body. Particular attention to detail particularly visible in the back and on the underside. Small
has been given to the plumage of the feathery bird. Small inlaid himotoshi through the back and the signature MITSUHIRO 光廣 and
eyes of lustrous black horn give it a very bird-like expression. Small kakihan.
himotoshi on the underside and slightly worn signature MITSUSADA
光定 in a rounded reserve. HEIGHT 3.2 cm
HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 3.1 cm Condition: Good condition with age cracks. The staining is worn,
particularly in the front. Two plugged nerve channels on the puppy’s
Condition: Two larger age cracks through the body. Possible back.
restoration to the end of the tail feathers. Generally, in good Provenance: British collection.
condition with a beautifully worn patina.
Provenance: British collection. Literature comparison: Compare to a very similar ivory netsuke by
Ohara Mitsuhiro in the Walters Art Museum (Accession number
Ohara Mitsusada was one of the most accomplished students of 71.911). Also compare to an ivory netsuke of a puppy next to a
Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875). He used a similar stain and his works water tank in Coullery, Marie-Thérèse / Newstead, Martin S. (1977)
are of comparative quality, however much rarer than those of the The Baur Collection, p. 342f., C 1078.
master.
Auction comparison: Another netsuke of a puppy by Mitsuhiro was
Auction comparison: For another work of this rare artist see sold at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 21 September 2006,
Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 6 November 2016, London, lot 11. New York, lot 1702.
Estimate EUR 3.000,- Estimate EUR 5.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 2.500,-

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