Page 209 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

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AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A FARMER
WITH A HEAVY BAG OF ONI BY
RYUKEI II
"Y 2YUKEI IVORY NETSUKE
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Japan, 19 century, Edo period

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A RARE SO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A PRIESTESS WITH A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI NEMBUTSU BY
ONI NEMBUTSU MASAMITSU The large bag is heavy, as it contains several oni DEMONS TWO OF
Unsigned, attributed to So-school, wood netsuke "Y -ASAMITSU WOOD NETSUKE WITH IVORY BONE MOTHER OF PEARL which are peaking out of holes in the bag and looking quite wicked.
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Japan, Tokyo, late 19 to early 20 century, lacquer and metal inlays Strictly speaking, the oni would be far too clever to be captured by
-EIJI PERIOD Japan, late 19 CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD this farmer or any mortal, as even the famous Shoki had enough
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trouble with them – but he is happy with his catch and appears to
! lNE WOOD NETSUKE WITH RICH "UDDHIST SYMBOLISM n A TEMPLE An oni with horns on its head, blissfully and earnestly looking up be considering the price for demons at the market. The farmer has a
bell lying on the ground, the suspension with oppositely arranged towards the heavenly sky. This oni wants to renounce its demonic beard and is wearing a headscarf. Himotoshi on the underside, signed
dragon heads like on a mokugyo. An oni, fully dressed in a monk’s WAYS AND BECOME A DEVOUT "UDDHIST )T IS CARRYING A PARASOL WITH RYUKEI with characteristic kakihan next to one of the oni’s faces. The 265
attire, sits beside the bell, holding a paper lantern and a mallet with bone handle as well as a sagemono pouch and has a block for artist is Ryukei II, who was active from 1830-1870, and Jugyoku was A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF AN ONI PROTECTING HIMSELF
A DRUM SUSPENDED AROUND HIS NECK (E HAS ACCEPTED THE "UDDHIST donations in front of it, with a netsuke made from glass attached said to have been his pupil. DURING ONI-YARAI
teachings. A priestess with a large hat stands behind the demon, to it, showing the characters Hogacho REFFERING TO A "UDDHIST Unsigned, ivory netsuke
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the garment folds are finely executed, and she is holding a large subscription list. The oni’s muscular, naked torso is well-crafted, LENGTH 3.7 CM Japan, Edo, mid-19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
scepter draped over her shoulder. Finely and precisely executed the horns, fangs and eyes are inlaid, the sagemono pouch which
details, the oni’s eyes white and inlaid. Natural himotoshi. is attached to his obi is made from bone or antler, the himotoshi Condition: Very good condition A fine netsuke depicting an oni holding a tattered straw hat with
are outlined in mother of pearl and green-stained ivory and the Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of London Gentleman both hands over his back. The oni is being pelted with roasted
HEIGHT 4.4 CM loincloth shows the signature MASAMITSU on an inlaid red-lacquer beans, visible on the straw hat, referencing the oni-yarai festival
tablet on the underside. Possibly this is the Masamitsu who made Literature comparison: Compare to a netsuke in similar style depicting ALSO KNOWN AS setsubun), which happens during the spring festival
Condition: Excellent condition lacquer netsuke mentioned in MCI as carver no.6 on page 433. THE "UNBUKU #HAGAMA IN 4HE -EINERTZHAGEN #ARD )NDEX ON .ETSUKE and is a rite to drive away evil spirits. The ivory is lightly stained, and
0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION IN THE !RCHIVES OF THE "RITISH -USEUM 0ART " &REDERICK -EINERTZHAGEN the carving is superbly detailed. The patterns on the straw hat are
HEIGHT 4.3 CM EDITED BY 'EORGE ,AZARNICK .EW 9ORK PAGE carved exquisitely. Also note the crisply carved clawed hands and
Auction comparison: For an oni nembutsu in similar style by Ouchi Auction comparison: A similar netsuke by Ryusai was sold at Zacke, feet of the oni. The horned demon has an anguished expression
3OSUI SEE "ONHAMS &INE *APANESE !RT ,ONDON .OVEMBER Condition: Excellent condition Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, Vienna, 24 November 2018, with inlaid eyes of dark horn. Natural himotoshi. Probably carved by
lot 13. 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION lot 126. a member of the Ikkosai school from Edo/Tokyo.

Estimate EUR 800,- Estimate EUR 800,- Estimate EUR 800,- HEIGHT 3.2 CM
Starting price EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 400,-
Condition: Minor age cracks, good condition
Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 800,-
Starting price EUR 400,-

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