Page 84 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

77 | MASANAO: A WOOD
NETSUKE OF A SNAIL
ON A SCHOLAR’S
ROCK WITH REISHI
FUNGUS

By Masanao, signed Masanao
Japan, Ise-Yamada, 19th century,
Edo period (1615-1868)

A highly symbolic, fine wood netsuke
depicting a scholar’s rock with a snail
slithering across it, extending its
feelers. Two stalks of reishi fungus
grow next to the rock. The underside
shows the signature MASANAO 正
直 within a polished reserve. Natural
himotoshi.
HEIGHT 3.6 cm

Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Ex Collection Harriet
Jaffé, sold at Sotheby’s, 11 December
1985, lot 559.
Masanao was an avid carver of snails,
however this present model appears
to be unique in its composition.

Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

78 | MASATADA: A RARE
WOOD NETSUKE OF A
STYLIZED SPARROW
By Masatada, signed Masatada
Japan, Ise-Yamada, 19th century,
Edo period (1615-1868)

Shaped like a crescent moon, the
sparrow is shown with outstretched
wings. Both sides are decorated
with finely etched formal designs.
The wood with a good patina. The 79 | MASANAO (ATTR.): AN UNUSUAL LACQUERED WOOD
underside shows the asymmetrical NETSUKE OF MONKEY EATING A PERSIMMON
himotoshi and the signature within
a square reserve MASATADA 正忠. Attributed to Masanao, unsigned
Japan, Ise-Yamada, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
LENGTH 4.5 cm
Condition: Minor surface wear and The monkey depicted here seated, his legs forming the himotoshi, one hand
scratches. Very good, complete scratching his behind and the other putting a persimmon (kaki) into his mouth.
condition. The wood is covered in a thin layer of reddish lacquer with some remnants
Provenance: Formerly offered of black lacquer, coupled with fine incision work, used to emulate the fur. The
at Bonhams, Netsuke from a monkey’s pupils are inlaid in horn.
European private collection, 8
May 2016, lot 41. Purchased at HEIGHT 3.7 cm
Kunsthandel Klefisch, Cologne,
December 1978, auction no.13, Condition: Good, complete condition with minor surface wear and scratches.
lot 877. Provenance: European collection.
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 500,-

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