Page 87 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

83 | A FINE TANBA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A
DRAGON INSIDE A MIKAN
Unsigned
Japan, Tanba, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

An incredibly fine and rounded composition depicting a dragon
inside a mikan (tangerine). The genius design, perhaps even
comparable in its functionality and originality to the great
Masanao (Yamada) coiled rat, originates from the Tanba school
of carvers founded by Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856). The carving
is phenomenal, finely darkened and accentuated for effect, with
crisply carved scales and flaming whiskers protruding the soft
surface of the mikan, which is disintegrating through the might of
the dragon, which bursts through from within.
Returning to the genius design of the netsuke: From one side it
looks like a rotting tangerine, the scales mimicking the ribbed flesh
of the fruit. When turning the netsuke however, it appears like
an alms bowl, like that of Rakan Handaka Sonja, with the captive
dragon visible on the side. The inlaid eye in typical Toyomasa style
provides the cherry on top of the cake. Himotoshi through the
stem, from which a finely carved pair of leaves trail down the side.
HEIGHT 2 cm, LENGTH 3.5 cm
Condition: Excellent condition, stunning patina.
Provenance: German private collection.
Estimate EUR 2.500,-
Starting price EUR 1.250,-

84 | A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A
SNAKE AND GOURD
Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A naturalistic representation of a snake (hebi)
with its serpentine body tightly coiled around
an elongated gourd, the surface of the gourd
beautifully rendered with ukibori pimples. The
82 | NAITO TOYOMASA (ATTR.): A FINE WOOD scales of the snake are carved precisely, pleasing
NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN to touch, and the tail of the snake pierces
through an opening in the gourd at the bottom.
Attributed to Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856), unsigned The snake is lurking, camouflaged and awaiting its
Japan, Tanba, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) prey. The eyes are inlaid in pale horn with drilled
pupils. One himotoshi and the other natural
underneath the body of the snake.
Finely carved as a standing Gama Sennin holding the leg of a large
toad, which sits on his shoulder. The Sennin’s eyes are inlaid in pale LENGTH 9.5 cm
translucent horn and the toad’s eyes in dark horn. The mugwort
leaf cloak is neatly incised and the long, trifurcated beard of the Condition: Excellent condition, minor surface
immortal is finely carved. The wood is of a good, typical color. wear. Beautiful patina.
Himotoshi through the Sennin’s side. Provenance: American private collection.
HEIGHT 6.1 cm The piece is difficult to place school-wise, since
the combination of elements is quite unusual.
Condition: Very good condition with minor associated wear. Subject matter, the use of ukibori pimples and
Extremely minor restoration to a tiny nick by the toad’s left eye. overall quality would suggest Nagoya school,
Provenance: Ex collection Doris Grell, sold at Van Ham, Asian Art, 4 however the inlaid eyes of pale horn could
December 2018, Cologne, lot 2209 (2.838 EUR). suggest Tanba.
Estimate EUR 4.000,- Estimate EUR 2.500,-
Starting price EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.250,-

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