Page 167 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

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A VERY RARE HORNBILL IVORY NETSUKE A FINE NETSUKE OF AN EAGLE SNATCHING A FOX BY
OF A COCKEREL AND HEN CHIKUYOSAI TOMOCHIKA
Unsigned, hornbill ivory netsuke "Y 4OMOCHIKA IVORY NETSUKE
th
Japan, late 19 century Japan, Edo, 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
th
(ORNBILL IVORY NETSUKE FROM THE HELMETED A fine ivory netsuke of an eagle firmly grasping a helpless fox in its
hornbill or rhinoplax vigil) are very rare and talons. The reverent bird of prey has a fierce expression, its head is
difficult to carve, as the material tends to be slightly tilted downwards, and its beak is opened. The feather-work
unforgiving and the natural shape of the bill of the eagle is executed masterfully. The little fox is crafted quite
often must be incorporated into the work, sensitively with a terrified expression, one claw covering its eye –
depending on what section of the beak is one truly feels sorry for the little fox and hopes that perhaps it can
used. The shape of the beak is recognizable trick itself out of its demise, as foxes are known to have magical
in this netsuke, with the tapering end being powers. The himotoshi on the back of the eagle and the signature
wafer-thin, and the red section of the bill in a wavy reserve on the underside of the fox TOMOCHIKA.
being expressed on the sides. The two birds
are huddled side by side looking askance at HEIGHT 3.3 CM
each other. The plumage is very well carved,
himotoshi on the reverse and the eyes inlaid Condition: The ivory slightly and characteristically worn, very good
with the red material from the horn. condition
0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
HEIGHT 5 CM
Auction comparison: For another example by Tomochika see
Condition: Excellent condition "ONHAMS 4HE %DWARD 7RANGHAM #OLLECTION OF *APANESE !RT 0ART
0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION IV, London, 6 November 2013, lot 61.

Auction comparison: For another netsuke Estimate EUR 1.200,-
CARVED FROM THIS RARE MATERIAL SEE "ONHAMS Starting price EUR 600,-
The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of
Fine Netsuke Part III, London, 6 November
2018, lot 62. 207
A DELICATE IVORY NETSUKE OF A FOX BY RANSEN
Estimate EUR 800,- "Y 2ANSEN IVORY NETSUKE
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Starting price EUR 400,- Japan, Kyoto, mid-19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A sensitively and delicately crafted depiction of a fox, possibly the
Inari fox which is the messenger of the Inari Okami, one of the
principal Kami of Shinto. The charming little fox is licking its tail
which curls around to its side. The fur is incised masterfully, and the
ivory is lightly stained and of a very good color. The shoulder bones
and the rib cage are well pronounced, and the eyes are inlaid in
reddish horn. The fox has an adorable expression with small pointed
ears and long snout. The legs are carved splendidly as well, small
and fragile, the smallest details achieved magnificently. Natural
himotoshi and the signature found underneath the tail RANSEN. A
rare artist from the Rantei school of Kyoto.
HEIGHT 2.8 CM

Condition: Excellent condition
Provenance: European private collection
Auction comparison: For another netsuke by the artist see
"ONHAMS 4HE %DWARD 7RANGHAM #OLLECTION OF *APANESE !RT 0ART
II, London, 10 May 2011, lot 126.
Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 500,-

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