Page 174 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

216
A FINE AND RARE EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A
CAT EATING A RAT
Unsigned, wood netsuke
Japan, 18 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
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An early kokutan EBONY WOOD NETSUKE DEPICTING A
BULKY CAT neko) feasting on a little rat which it holds
between its front-paws. The fur is finely incised, and
the arched back is impressively and naturalistically
achieved, the expressed spine leading to the tail
which goes under the body and merges with one of
the paws. The underside with good detail as well and
very large and beautiful himotoshi. Cats are feared by
Taoists who regard it as a demon who has taken the
place of an old woman.

LENGTH 4.7 CM
Condition: Very good condition, one of the paws
shows a slightly different color in the wood, but is
original
0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO
VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBY S BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED
1974 & 1984, inventory no. 118

Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

215
A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT DEER
Unsigned, ivory netsuke
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Japan, first half of the 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
A very sensitive, animated and finely elegant depiction of a spotted
DEER shika). The deer has its head turned back with a friendly face
with black inlaid eyes and long curved antlers attached on the back.
The leg composition on the underside is appealing. Good himotoshi
on the underside.
4HE DEER IS CONSIDERED A MESSENGER OF THE GODS kami no tsukai) in
Kasuga shrine in Nara Prefecture. It is also the only animal that can
find the elusive reishi mushroom. The deer also lives in the paradise
of endless life, a rocky island called Horaizan.
HEIGHT 2.7 CM, LENGTH 4.4 CM

Condition: Very good condition, the surface of the ivory slightly
worn, and one eye is not original
Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman

Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

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