Page 170 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke
P. 170
210 211
A POWERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF A WOLF WITH A SKULL AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A WOLF AND MONKEY
Unsigned, wood netsuke ATTRIBUTED TO MITSUHARU
th
Japan, 18 CENTURY %DO PERIOD Unsigned, attributed to Mitsuharu, ivory netsuke
th
Japan, Kyoto, late 18 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
4HE WOLF okami) with a skull is a common motif in netsuke art,
found in the works of Tomotada and Yoshinaga among others. The An emaciated and hungry wolf, with pronounced rib cage, is
skull originates either from the battlefield of Musashi or it is the holding a monkey down with his left front paw, his tail curling
wolf of Kozukahara, the execution grounds near Edo, both places from the back to the front. The wolf has a grotesque expression
being near Tokyo. The wolf is large as well as finely and expressively and the eyes are inlaid in reddish horn, as are the monkey’s
carved, the reddish wood polished to a shine and with black in black horn. The subject is a different take on the classic
staining for contrast. “Okami” for wolf is homophonous to Okami, emaciated wolf subject, instead of the usual inanimate objects
meaning “great god”, as the wolf used to be called out of respect such as a tortoise shell, the wolf is depicted with a struggling live
for the animal. Natural himotoshi between the legs and through the monkey. The treatment of the fur is consistent with other works
skull. A powerful and early netsuke in the style of Tomotada. by the Kyoto master Mitsuharu, as is the power and expression.
Unsigned and natural himotoshi.
HEIGHT 3.6 CM, LENGTH 5.5 CM
HEIGHT 4.4 CM
Condition: One of the lower incisors is chipped otherwise good
condition with minor wear and a good patina Condition: Very good condition, wear consistent with age
0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
3OTHEBY S BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Starting price EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-
168 169
