Page 141 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

176
A LARGE AND POWERFUL STAG ANTLER
NETSUKE OF SHOKI AS A TARTAR ARCHER
Unsigned, stag antler netsuke
Japan, 18 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
th
Stag antler netsuke of this style and quality
ARE QUITE RARE $EPICTED IS A TARTAR ARCHER WITH
Chinese cap and robes with expressive cloud
patterns, grim expression and flowing beard.
The archer has many similarities with depictions
of Shoki, and it is known that their attributes
were combined with each other in some netsuke.
Perhaps also the ideal Chinese or Mongol warrior
was simply closely associated with Shoki in the
Japanese mind. The archer draws an arrow from
a quiver, which extends downwards to his left
showing the natural orientation of the piece of
antler used. The material is of a very good color
and the porous structure of the antler adds a
special touch to the composition. The hollow
base has been plugged to make the figure stand
and there are three himotoshi, the largest on the
side, to hold the figure in place on the obi BELT
as otherwise it would slightly tilt to the left. The
carver has utilized a very difficult section of stag
antler, which some would consider scrap material,
to create a true masterpiece.

HEIGHT 8.3 CM
Condition: Excellent condition
Provenance: French private collection
175
A VERY RARE AND FINE BONE NETSUKE OF HADESU SLAYING HEIGHT 4.1 CM Auction comparison: A netsuke depicting what
THE TIGER appears to be Shoki as a tartar archer was sold at
Unsigned, bone netsuke Condition: Excellent condition, minor expected age cracks and #HRISTIE S *APANESE !RT AND $ESIGN ,ONDON
th
Japan, 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD imperfections to the material May 2010, lot 1.
Provenance: European private collection
Netsuke carved from bone are usually quite simple and low in Estimate EUR 2.000,-
quality, as the material was not much appreciated and often even Auction comparison: An ivory version of the same motif of Starting price EUR 1.000,-
considered ‘waste material’. It is extraordinarily rare to find netsuke comparable quality was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono &
th
of good quality made from bone, as the material is also very difficult Okimono, Vienna, November 24 2018, lot 65. A bone netsuke of
to carve. The present netsuke depicts the legendary Japanese hero SIMILAR QUALITY YET SMALLER AND NOT AS DETAILED WAS SOLD AT "ONHAMS
Hadesu straddling a tiger on his back and killing it with his sword, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part III,
after stunning it with a punch in a head. The struggle is depicted London, 6 November 2018, lot 56.
th
masterfully, especially evident in the facial expressions of the two
combatants – the tiger is screaming in fearful agony as Hadesu has Estimate EUR 2.000,-
a determined, but ruthless expression. The details are incredibly fine Starting price EUR 1.000,-
as well – the samurai armour including the ropes attached to it, the
sharp rows of teeth of the tiger, as well as the fur coat. The porous
texture of the bone is evident all over the piece and adds to the
power and expression of the netsuke. Natural himotoshi; unsigned.

138 139