Page 36 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

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A RARE TALL IVORY
SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A
BIJIN
Unsigned, ivory shunga netsuke
Japan, mid to late 19 century
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A tall ivory netsuke of a
laughing Bijin, with black-
lacquered hair tied into a
top-knot, her robe slipping,
revealing her breasts, and only
held together with the hand
she is holding the fan with.
The fan is placed teasingly and
those that wish to see more,
can tilt the netsuke which
reveals her visible genitals. A
NETSUKE lLLED WITH SUBTLE AND
not so subtle) erotic fantasy,
as the backside with her robe
gently slipping down her
shoulder invoke a feeling of
lust. Her robes are decorated
with a large kiku blossom and
scrolling vines and leaves. Her
taunting facial expression is
quite amusing and crafted
sensitively. Good and irregular 51 52
himotoshi in the back. AN IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A NUDE WOMAN WASHING A RARE IVORY SHUNGA
HERSELF BY THE TOMOCHIKA SCHOOL NETSUKE WITH BIJIN, BOY
HEIGHT 10.2 CM "Y 4OMOCHIKA IVORY shunga netsuke AND OCTOPUS
Japan, Edo/Tokyo, mid-19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD Unsigned, ivory shunga netsuke
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Condition: There is minor Japan, Tokyo, mid-19 century,
th
damage around the area of the A small, finely carved figure of a fully nude woman, kneeling beside %DO PERIOD
fan, which indicates that the a water bucket and scrubbing her back with a cloth. Masterfully
screws holding it in place are executed facial features, pinned up black hair, himotoshi in the A clever and rare ivory netsuke
not original. Otherwise good back. Tiny signature on the underside of the bucket – TOMOCHIKA rich with naughty symbolism,
condition. of Tokyo or his school. depicting a young Bijin FEMALE
Provenance: The 40-Year beauty) squeezing out water
Collection of a London HEIGHT 3.8 CM from her loin cloth above a basket with a small octopus inside.
Gentleman As she lifts her loin cloth, she is revealing her genitals, which
Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and the small boy next to her points out, grinning mischievously. The
Estimate EUR 2.000,- excellent patina octopus in the little basket, a symbol for male sexuality and often
Starting price EUR 1.000,- 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION depicted being amorous with fisher girls, is shown with an innocent
expression and sensual tentacles dangling over the sides. The ivory
Estimate EUR 800,- is of a very good color and lightly stained, with small details such
Starting price EUR 400,- as the little comb in her hair or the finely incised pattern on the
boy’s cloth. Good himotoshi in her buttocks and unsigned, but
Tomochika school.
HEIGHT 5.5 CM

Condition. Excellent condition
Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 500,-

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