Page 104 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke
P. 104

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                                                          AN EXCELLENT IVORY NETSUKE OF A SEATED                                            A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A BOAR BY RANTEI
                                                          BOAR                                                                              "Y 2ANTEI  IVORY NETSUKE
                                                          Unsigned, ivory netsuke                                                           Japan, Kyoto, mid-19  CENTURY  %DO PERIOD
                                                                                                                                                         th
                                                                th
                                                          Japan, 19  CENTURY  %DO PERIOD
                                                                                                                                            A fine netsuke of a recumbent boar, with its left front leg slightly raised, and mouth wide open baring
                                                          4HE BOAR  inoshishi) is the twelfth sign of the                                   its teeth, as if it is about to roar. The hairwork is masterful and comparable to that of the Osaka master
                                                          Japanese zodiac and such a netsuke is the ideal                                   Kaigyokusai Masatsugu. Long autumn grasses extend from below up around the back and the right foreleg.
                                                          piece for someone born in the year of the pig. This                               The underside equally beautifully carved and with the signature RANTEI in a circular reserve. The inscription
                                                          boar has a very appealing yellowish patina, with                                  HOGEN, which is an honorary title, can be found in a rectangular reserve on the boar´s back. Natural
                                                          dense and finely executed fur. However, what really                                himotoshi through the legs.
                                                          stands out is the posture and expression of the
                                                          boar. It has one hoof slightly raised while it lifts his                          HEIGHT 3.1 CM, LENGTH 4.8 CM
                                                          head, the ears laid back, and opening its mouth, as
                                                          if it was about to let a powerful roar. The rows of                               Condition: A large crack through the boar and the left front leg has been reattached - otherwise good
                                                          teeth are carefully carved as well as the two small                               condition
                                                          tusks to the side of the mouth. The underside is                                  Provenance: European private collection
                                                          carved exquisitely with the hooves and legs almost
                                                          coming to life. Good himotoshi on the underside                                   Literature comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke of a boar signed Rantei illustrated in The
                                                          as well.                                                                          -EINERTZHAGEN #ARD )NDEX ON .ETSUKE IN THE !RCHIVES OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART "  &REDERICK
                                                                                                                                            -EINERTZHAGEN  EDITED BY 'EORGE ,AZARNICK   .EW 9ORK        PAGE
                                                          LENGTH 4.3 CM
                                                                                                                                            Estimate EUR 2.000,-
                                                          Condition: A small chip to the side of the tail, some                             Starting price EUR 1.000,-
                                                          age cracks, otherwise good condition with a very
                                                          appealing patina
                                                          Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London
                                                          Gentleman
                                                          Estimate EUR 2.000,-
                                                          Starting price EUR 1.000,-




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