Page 50 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

RAT / NEZUMI

71
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT ON A LARGE CHESTNUT
Unsigned, ivory netsuke
Japan, probably Kyoto, early 19 century, Edo period (1615-1868)
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An ideally-shaped ivory netsuke of a rat lying on top of an over-
exaggeratedly large chestnut. The ribbed texture of the chestnut is
well pronounced, as is the top section with its stippled surface. The
rat’s eyes are inlaid in black horn, himotoshi in the reverse and the
ivory with a very good honey patina.
HEIGHT 2.5 CM, LENGTH 4.6 CM

Condition: Very good condition, with expected age cracks
Provenance: British private collection
Estimate EUR 800,-
Starting price EUR 400,-

72
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF MANY RATS IN AN AWABI
SHELL BY MASAMITSU
By Masamitsu, ivory netsuke
Japan, late 19 century, Meiji period (1868-1912)
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A classic model from the carver Masamitsu who became
famous for his compact studies of animal groups. This
ivory netsuke depicts roughly thirty rats bunched together
on top of an awabi (abalone) shell, clambering on top of
69 70 each other or fighting. All of their eyes are inlaid in dark
A LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED RAT BY MASANAO A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED RAT BY MASANAO horn and the surface is beautifully stained. The underside
"Y -ASANAO WOOD NETSUKE "Y -ASANAO WOOD NETSUKE is beautifully carved as well, with the surface of the awabi
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Japan, Ise-Yamada, 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Ise-Yamada, 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD and the characteristic rows of circular openings achieved
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naturalistically. There are more rats on the underside as well,
A rather large wood netsuke of rat tightly coiled up into a ball. A The same model as previous no. 69, however considerably smaller one even lurks in one of the himotoshi, biting at the tail of
genius design when considering the functionality as a netsuke, in size and with a more adorable expression. The fur of the rat another rat which is scurrying away to join the pack at the
but also the uniqueness of the depiction. This model is believed is precisely incised, and it is holding one paw to its face, one is top. Signature MASAMITSU in a rounded reserve.
to originate from the Masanao family of Ise-Yamada and was holding its very well carved tail which extends all the way to the
executed in different variations and sizes across members of back and another is scratching its ear. The eyes are inlaid in black LENGTH 5.3 CM
the school/family. The fur of the rat is precisely incised, and it is horn. Natural himotoshi through one of the legs and signed at the
holding one paw to its face, one is holding its tail which extends back in a polished reserve MASANAO. Condition: Unusually good condition, as these models are
all the way to the back and another is scratching its ear. The bony fragile and almost always missing inlaid eyes, or other pieces
fingers of the paws are carved with great detail, giving an eerie HEIGHT 3.5 CM – however only one eye of the rat located in the himotoshi is
appearance. The large beady eyes are inlaid in black horn. Natural lost, otherwise very good condition
himotoshi through one of the legs and signed at the back in a Condition: Very good condition Provenance: British private collection stored in a bank vault for
polished reserve MASANAO. Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London gentleman 40 years

HEIGHT 4.5 CM Estimate EUR 2.000,- Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 750,-
Condition: Minor crack and minor restoration near the mid-
section of the tail, otherwise good condition
Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London gentleman
Auction comparison: For another rat by Masanao of a similar size
SEE "ONHAMS &INE *APANESE !RT ,ONDON -AY LOT

Estimate EUR 2.500,-
Starting price EUR 1.250,-

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