Page 10 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

SENNIN AND CHINESE IMMORTALS

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A POWERFUL TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF CHINNAN SENNIN A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF CHINNAN SENNIN A RARE IVORY NETSUKE DEPICTING SENNIN BUKAN ZENSHI
WITH DRAGON AND TAMING STICK Unsigned, wood netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke
Unsigned, ivory netsuke *APAN TH CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
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Japan, late 18 to early 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
Chinnan Sennin is depicted seated holding his vessel, which This ivory netsuke of a Sennin with a very large tiger, most likely
th
Sennin are immortal mountain hermits who have human form he used to conjure the dragon lying next to him, up high. He depicting Bukan Zenshi, a Chinese priest of the 7 century. The
however possess magical powers. Chinnan Sennin, who is has a grim facial expression while the dragon has a somewhat Sennin is dressed in Chinese robes and is leaning on the tiger and
depicted in this early ivory netsuke, has the magical power mischievous one. The dragon was up to no good and Chinnan smiling, while the large tiger is looking downwards, with inlaid eyes,
of conjuring a dragon from his pot-shaped vessel which he IS FED UP AND CALLING HIM BACK INTO HIS VESSEL $ARK PATINA OF and a powerful expression. His fur coat is incised, and the tail is
always carries with him and which is his defining attribute. the wood and small himotoshi on the underside. curling up the front. Natural himotoshi.
He is holding the vessel in front of his body and the dragon is
emerging from it, its well-carved scaly body, wrapping around HEIGHT 2.9 CM, LENGTH 4.2 CM HEIGHT 4 CM
THE BACK OF HIS NECK AND LEANING ON HIS SHOULDER "OTH THE
Sennin and the dragon have powerful expressions, looking Condition: Very good condition Condition: One paw of the tiger has been restored very well,
upwards into the heavenly skies. He is barefoot and wearing the Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman however visible due to the discoloration of the material, a few age
characteristic Sennin mugwort leaf cloak with beautifully carved cracks, otherwise good condition
flowing folds. Interestingly, he is holding a large taming stick in Estimate EUR 1.000,- Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
his other hand, which he presumably uses to perform tricks with Starting price EUR 500,-
his trusty dragon companion. Very good and irregular himotoshi Literature comparison: Compare to another Sennin with tiger in
on the backside, which has a stunning honey patina. very similar style in Zacke, Japanische Netsuke, Inro und andere
Sagemono – Austellung 1986, no. 88.
HEIGHT 8.8 CM
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Condition: Excellent condition with a beautiful patina Starting price EUR 750,-
0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION

Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

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