Page 205 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

SHOKI AND ONI

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A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A MERMAID ON CLAM A FINE MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A NAMAZU WITH MAN AN IVORY NETSUKE OF AN ONI POLISHING A SOJOBO MASK A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A REPENTANT ONI WITH NIO BY
SHELL Unsigned, ivory netsuke BY TOMOMASA SHUNKA
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Unsigned, ivory netsuke Japan, 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD "Y 4OMOMASA IVORY NETSUKE WITH INLAYS "Y 3HUNKA IVORY NETSUKE
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Japan, 18 CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Edo, mid-19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, probably Tokyo, late 19 CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD
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The namazu is a mythological creature, a giant catfish that causes
A very rare netsuke depicting a mermaid (ningyo) armed with a earthquakes when it moves. The only way to calm it is by using a An unusual rendition of a classic model by the Edo/Tokyo artist A fine and fragile carving – depicted is a kneeling oni applying
sickle and lying on top of an awabi shell. The ningyo is depicted, magical double-gourd (hyotan). This netsuke also shows a man, Tomomasa. A slightly crouched oni wearing a tiger-skin loincloth, moxa, in the form of a burning hot needle, to a Nio. The guardian
as usual, with a naked female upper body, with finely crafted and naked except for a loincloth and without the hyotan, his hands laid WITH A TOBACCO POUCH AND ASHTRAY NETSUKE WITH MOTHER OF PEARL deity is lying down resting his head on his hand and seems to be
subtle facial features, and the lower body as a long tail, like that of on the fish, evidently attempting to calm it, but without the gourd a inlay) tied to his obi, is polishing the mask of the tengu-king Sojobo. undisturbed by the application of moxa to his leg, as his expression
a fish. The structure of the awabi, with the characteristic openings futile endeavor. The namazu’s eyes are inlaid with dark horn, large The oni has a muscular body and legs, with bangles made from is that of a typical Nio. The oni is repentant as moxibustion was
on the side, is executed precisely. Interestingly, mermaids are and appear lurking. Himotoshi on the underside. horn around his arms. He is malevolently snarling, with visible PART OF THE ORDINATION PROCESS FOR "UDDHIST MONKS IN *APAN .OTE
known to have listened to the sea shells to hear the secrets of the fangs for teeth, and minutely inlaid eyes. The tengu king’s facial the very fine details of the carving – the garlands of the Nio, the
sea, and the awabi is also known as an ear shell. The underside LENGTH 4.6 CM expression is carved powerfully as well with a poignantly pointed individual fingers and toes and the decorations of the garments,
with beautiful honey-patina, large himotoshi and wonderful sensual nose and inlaid eyes. Himotoshi through the bridge on the back of as well as the carefully carved expressions. Natural himotoshi
structure of the smooth mollusk. Condition: Good condition, beautiful patina, possibly one eye the Sojobo mask and the signature on the loincloth TOMOMASA and signature on the back SHUNKA. The carving bears some
replaced seki. resemblance to Tomomasa.
HEIGHT 2.6, LENGTH 4.6 CM 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION
HEIGHT 4.2 CM HEIGHT 2.6 CM, LENGTH 5 CM
Condition: Expected age cracks, one through the right arm, Estimate EUR 1.000,-
beautiful patina - generally, in very good condition Starting price EUR 500,- Condition: One horn is chipped, minor age cracks, otherwise very Condition: Very good condition, only one very minor chip to one of
Provenance: The 40-Year collection of a London Gentleman good condition the toes of the oni
Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman Provenance: A European private collection
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,- Auction comparison: For a similar netsuke by the artist see Estimate EUR 1.000,-
"ONHAMS &INE *APANESE 7ORKS OF !RT .EW 9ORK -ARCH Starting price EUR 500,-
lot 2096.
Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 500,-

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