Page 96 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

93 | ICHIMIN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE
OF TWO RABBITS
By Ichimin, signed Ichimin to
Japan, Nagoya, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Finely carved from dark cherry wood, the wood beautifully
patinated, and depicting two rabbits (usagi). A charming
composition – the young is nestling up to the adult, the latter has its
crisply carved paw placed firmly on the young’s back. The hairwork
is minutely incised and characteristically worn. Both have finely
carved long ears and the eyes are inlaid in semi-translucent pale
horn. The underside shows the well-carved paws and partially worn
signature ICHIMIN 一眠 and to (carved by).

HEIGHT 3.1 cm, LENGTH 3.7 cm
Condition: Good, characteristically worn condition. The edge of one
front paw of the young with an old, worn down chip to the edge.
Provenance: Hungarian collection.

Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,-

92 | ISSHINSAI MASATOSHI: A FINE WOOD
NETSUKE OF A BITCH AND PUP
By Isshinsai Masatoshi, signed Masatoshi
Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Published: Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986)
MCI, Part B, p. 478.

Carved from cherry wood and finely stained to emulate the piebald
fur coat of the dog. Depicted is a mother placing one paw on her
young pup, which has a very amusing expression. The fur is neatly
incised, the paws are naturalistically carved, and the tail of the
mother forms a pleasing curl. Natural himotoshi and signature
within a polished reserve below the pup MASATOSHI 正利.
HEIGHT 2.7 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: British private collection, stored in a bank vault for 30
years and now offered for the first time, coming with two valuations
from Neil K. Davey from 1974 & 1984, collection no. 138.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

92 93