Page 154 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

OTHER ANIMALS

189
A FINE AND RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO TURTLES BY
KAIGYOKUSAI MASATSUGU (1813-1892)
Signed Kaigyoku, by Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, ivory netsuke
Japan, Osaka, mid-19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
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A very fine and rather small ivory netsuke of a retracted turtle with
its young climbing up its back. The ivory, typical for the Osaka
master, is left unstained and treated superbly. The individual
patterns on the shell are carved masterfully, especially on the
TINY SHELL OF THE YOUNGER TURTLE "OTH REPTILIANS HAVE INLAID EYES OF
reddish translucent horn, which add to their wild expressions. The
underside carved equally well with the wrinkled skin and clawed
feet of the turtle achieved brilliantly. Large and irregular himotoshi,
as well as the signature KAIGYOKU, a known signature variant of
Kaigyokusai Masatsugu during his prime.

LENGTH 3.9 CM
Condition: The edge of the carapace with very minor chips to the
front, as well as one crack to the side and another tiny chip to the
carapace on the underside in the front. Generally in very good
condition.
Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman

Auction comparison: Another tortoise signed Masatsugu was
offered at Sotheby’s, The Katchen Collection of Netsuke – Part II,
London, 13 July 2006, lot 198.

Estimate EUR 5.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.500,-

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