Page 88 - Japnese Art Netsuke, Okimono, Lempertz June 2, 2019

446 An ivory netsuke of quails on millet.
Late 19th century

One looking up, the other one pecking the
millet branches. Finely carved and engraved,
feathers and details darkly stained, the eyes
inlaid in black horn. Inscribed Okatomo in a
raised rectangular reserve.

This work is a later study in the style of this
Sôken Kishô artist who loved this subject.
Length 4.9 cm
Literature
Illustrated in: Karl M. Schwarz,
Netsuke Subjects, Vienna 1992, p. 127, no. 356

€ 800 – 1.200

446

447 An ivory netsuke of an inubariko.
Second half 19th century

A dog-shaped lidded box just like those made
out of papier maché found in most Japanese
households. Delicately carved with dark
accentuations, the dog’s face with human
features. Inscribed Shinsho.

These containers stored amulets for newborns
but underwent a change in usage when
they were later used to store items for the
courtesan’s intimate care.
Length 3.5 cm

Literature
Illustrated in: Karl M. Schwarz,
Netsuke Subjects, Vienna 1992, p. 117, no. 326
Compare similar pieces in: Henry Joly,
The Walter L. Behrens Collection, Glendining
London, 1914, no. 994 and Richard Barker and
Laurence Smith, Netsuke, London 1976, no. 122
447
€ 850 – 1.000

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