Page 201 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

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A FINE KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI WITH
BALL AFTER OKATORI
Unsigned, ivory netsuke
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Japan, Kyoto, late 18 to early 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
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A fine ivory netsuke of a shishi in a remarkable pose, standing
upright on one leg, placing the other leg and front paw on the
smooth ball, with the other paw raised in the air. His bushy tail and
mane, and the fatty tissue with pronounced decorative spirals are
carved remarkably well. The lion dog has its mouth wide open with
bared teeth and a snarling expression, with humorously narrow
eyes inlaid in dark horn. The backside is slightly flattened, of ideally
functional netsuke-shape and with a very attractive deep honey
patina. Natural himotoshi. The original model is by the famous
Kyoto carver Okatori, and this present work is probably carved by
a pupil. 254
A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A POWERFUL SHISHI HEIGHT 4.4 CM
HEIGHT 5.2 CM ATTRIBUTED TO MITSUHARU
Unsigned, attributed to Mitsuharu, ivory netsuke Condition: Good condition, the patina somewhat rubbed
Condition: Very good condition, beautiful patina Japan, Kyoto, early 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD Provenance: European private collection, formerly the collection of
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Provenance: European private collection (IS 2OYAL (IGHNESS 0RINCE (ENRY $UKE OF 'LOUCESTER
The powerful shishi, executed in ideally rounded netsuke form, with sold at Christie’s London, 12 -13 July 2006, lot 661
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Literature comparison: The original model by Okatori is illustrated a flowing mane and mighty curls. It is holding a large and smooth
in The Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the Archives of the ball between its clawed paws, and has its head tilted backwards, Estimate EUR 2.500,-
"RITISH -USEUM 0ART " &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN EDITED BY 'EORGE roaring with all its might, eyes wide open with inlaid pupils of dark Starting price EUR 1250,-
Lazarnick), New York, 1986, page 623. horn and bared teeth. The carving is unsigned, however certainly
attributed to the workshop of Mitsuharu, who was famous,
Estimate EUR 2.500,- amongst other carvings, for his shishi, which are unique in their
Starting price EUR 1250,- style, expression and power. Good and large himotoshi through the
bottom and side and loose ball in the mouth of the mythical beast.

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