Page 207 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

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AN EXCELLENT IVORY NETSUKE OF A BATHING ONI BY
KIHODO MASAKA
"Y -ASAKA IVORY NETSUKE
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Japan, Osaka, late 19 century to early 20 century, Meiji period
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An ivory netsuke of an oni seated in a shallow basket filled with
water and washing himself with a towel. One leg is tucked under
his body and the other is hanging out. The muscular oni has long
curly hair and short and sharp horns and the facial expression is
magnificently detailed and remarkably sensitive and benevolent,
which is unusual for depictions of oni. The oni is figuratively
WASHING HIMSELF FROM HIS SINS AGAINST "UDDHISM THE waraji next to
the bucket are another indication of the ‘humanity’ of the devil. The
underside with the oni’s loincloth and the two himotoshi, as well as
the signature MASAKA to. Works by Kihodo Masaka were bought
by the Meiji Emperor, Prince Komatsu and Prince Arisuga.
HEIGHT 3.5 CM

Condition: Excellent condition
Provenance: European private collection
Literature comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke by the artist
published in Expressions of Style: Netsuke as Art, Scholten Japanese
Art, New York, August 2001, no. 65.
Estimate EUR 5.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.500,-

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