Page 105 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke
P. 105

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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
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 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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