Page 80 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

73 | KOKEI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE 74 | MASANAO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE
OF A SNARLING TIGER OF A SNARLING TIGER
By Kokei, signed Kokei By Masanao, signed Masanao
Japan, Tsu or Ise, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Japan, Ise-Yamada, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A fine, compact and accomplished study of a snarling tiger, its The tiger (tora) is shown as a muscular being with pronounced
pronounced chubby paws placed afore and the thick tail curling and bulky shoulders, its head turned to the left as it lets out a
over its back, the bushy end terminating just below the bulky hearty snarl. The eyes are inlaid and are thin slits, appropriate for
shoulders. As with no. 74, particular attention has been given to the this feline creature. Its thick tail curls in front of the chubby paws.
fur of the tiger, the stripes being rendered by alternating patches Particular attention has been given to the fur coat of the tiger, the
of finely incised lines and smoothly polished areas. The underside stripes being rendered by alternating patches of finely incised lines
shows the signature KOKEI 虎溪 in a polished reserve. Natural and polished areas. The underside shows the signature MASANAO
himotoshi. 正直 in a polished reserve. Natural himotoshi.
HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 4.1 cm HEIGHT 3.5 cm
Condition: Excellent condition. Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: French private collection. Provenance: From an old Zagreb private collection.

Kokei is assumed to have been a pupil of Minko, however is said to The present tiger provides a marvelous comparison to the tiger
have become independent subsequently. Perhaps he moved to Ise, by Kokei (lot no. 73). Particularly the chubby paws and the fur coat
as his work shows both similarities with the Masanao family of Ise are remarkabwly similar and show the shared sphere of influence
and the school of Minko in Tsu. between Ise and Tsu, which are only roughly 40 km apart.
Auction comparison: For a similar example by Kokei see Bonhams, Auction comparison: Another tiger by Masanao was sold by
Fine Japanese Works of Art, 17 September 2013, New York, lot Bonhams, The James A. Rose Collection of Netsuke and Sagemono,
3011. 17 September 2013, New York, lot 2016.
Estimate EUR 2.500,- Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.250,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-

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