Page 35 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

SHUNGA NETSUKE

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A RARE IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE
OF OKAME WITH TENGU MASK BY
SHUOSAI HIDEMASA
"Y 3HUOSAI (IDEMASA IVORY shunga netsuke
Japan, Osaka, 19 century, Edo period
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An ivory netsuke depicting the Shinto
goddess Okame with a glamorous hairstyle,
holding her hand to her mouth and impishly
laughing, as she strokes the phallic long nose
of a tengu mask wrapped in a cloth. The
tengu mask has a fierce expression, heavily
contrasting to the expression of Okame,
almost as if it does not approve of her
BEHAVIOR SOMETIMES Okame is depicted with
the tengu king Sojobo, who never approves
of her naughty behavior). Her robes are
ornately decorated with various geometrical
patterns and clouds, typical for the Osaka
artist. The large himotoshi are well-hidden
48 in a garment fold and the underside with
A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF OKAME the freely written signature SHUOSAI, for
LAUGHING Shuosai Hidemasa.
Unsigned, ivory netsuke
Japan, late 18 to early 19 century, Edo period HEIGHT 4.5 CM
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Condition: Very good condition, beautiful
This very compact, charming and meticulously patina, the cord hole slightly worn
decorated netsuke shows the Shinto goddess Provenance: European private collection,
Okame dressed in a long garment, with acquired from Neil Holton
characteristically chubby cheeks and laughing.
Her small bare feet and long hair reaching to the Literature comparison: Compare to a similar
ground on the back and in between the excellent netsuke signed Hidemasa in Shunga Netsuke
himotoshi are subtle details. The ivory of a published by Sagemonoya, page 21, no. 37.
beautiful color with a deep patina.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
HEIGHT 4.3 CM Starting price EUR 1.500,-
Condition: Good condition, vertical age cracks
on the sides
Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London
Gentleman

Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

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