Page 156 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

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AN EXCELLENT IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO A WOOD NETSUKE OF A CICADA ON A HALF NUTSHELL AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A CICADA ON A HALF NUTSHELL
MONKEYS ON A TURTLE BY RAKUMIN Unsigned, wood netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke
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"Y 2AKUMIN IVORY NETSUKE Japan, 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
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Japan, Edo, 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
#ICADAS semi) as netsuke have a specific meaning, as they were Similar to the previous netsuke no. 191, though rarer since it is
This motif, showing monkeys riding a turtle, is worn during the festival of Obon, honoring the ancestor spirits, CARVED FROM IVORY 4HE CICADA semi) is seated on a half nut shell,
called Saru Kame no noru and originates from as they generally symbolize resurrection in East Asia. This netsuke the wings are carved naturalistically and precisely. The cicada has
AN OLD FAIRYTALE "OTH MONKEYS ARE SITTING ON THE shows a meticulously carved semi on an empty nutshell, particularly large and bulging eyes. Himotoshi on the interior of the nutshell
kame’s shell and are holding a well-carved rope delicate work is seen on the wings and the ribbing of the body. below the bridge. Cicada netsuke were worn during the festival of
attached to the turtle’s mouth, which extends all Himotoshi on the interior of the nutshell below the bridge. Obon, honoring the ancestor spirits
the way up one of the monkeys’ backs. Its legs
and head are tucked in and only one eye, which HEIGHT 2.7 CM, LENGTH 4.5 CM HEIGHT 2.5 CM, LENGTH 4 CM
is inlaid, is visible. The structure on the turtle
is very precisely executed and the monkeys are Condition: Very good condition Condition: Very good condition, minor age cracks
carved in a lively manner with inlaid eyes. One Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
monkey has a strangely wild expression while the
other is more naturalistic and with a determined Estimate EUR 600,- Estimate EUR 800,-
expression. Good himotoshi and signature Starting price EUR 300,- Starting price EUR 400,-
RAKUMIN on the underside, the artist was known
primarily under the name Ho Rakumin.

HEIGHT 3.2, LENGTH 4.1 CM
Condition: Very good condition, beautiful patina,
some age cracks and a plugged nerve channel on
one of the monkeys’ sides
Provenance: French private collection

Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

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