Page 133 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

168
A STAG ANTLER KISERUZUTSU
DEPICTING KAPPA
Unsigned, stag antler kiseruzutsu
Japan, 19 century,
th
%DO PERIOD
The pipecase of senryu-zutsu type carved
in the form of an elongated ape-like
kappa, holding one hand as if he was
picking fleas, and the other hand near his
crotch. His expression is curious, looking
downwards with a piercing gaze. Perhaps
a humorous and hidden meaning is that
the pipe would go through his head,
where the kappa keeps his vital fluids –
though he does not seem to mind. Animal
hair is used for the hair on the kappa’s
head and the natural structure of the
antler is used replicate the scaly skin on
the creature’s arm.

HEIGHT 19.4 CM
167
A RARE STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A Condition: Good condition, losses to
PIEBALD CAT WITH LARGE FISH animal hair
Unsigned, stag antler netsuke Provenance: European private collection
Japan, 19 century,
th
%DO PERIOD Auction comparison: Compare to an
obi-hasami of a kappa sold at Van Ham,
A rare netsuke with extraordinary use of Asiatische Kunst, Cologne, 14 June 2018,
the antler material. The entire composition lot 2297.
is shaped naturally like the section of the
antler used. The cat is nestled up to a Estimate EUR 1.500,-
large fish, wrapped in leaves, and taking a Starting price EUR 750,-
bite at it. The scales of the fish are carved
very well, and the large eyes are inlaid in
dark horn. The fish has its mouth open,
revealing the hollow section inside the
antler, where on the other side, the hollow
section is plugged with a white piece of
bone or antler. The artist has managed to
brilliantly incorporate this into his work, as
it resembles one of the white spots of the
piebald cat. Himotoshi through the back.

HEIGHT 5.7 CM, LENGTH 6.5 CM
Condition: Excellent condition
Provenance: French private collection
Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 500,-

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