Page 78 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke
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A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A GOAT BY KOKEI A WOOD NETSUKE OF A GOAT BY MASANAO
"Y +OKEI WOOD NETSUKE "Y -ASANAO WOOD NETSUKE
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Japan, Kuwana, Ise province, early 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, Ise-Yamada, 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
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Kokei is assumed to be have been a pupil of Minko, however became A similarly executed goat to previous no. 102, however less
independent and was a prolific worker, his work showing even affinities naturalistic and with a very individual character. Masanao, not be
to the Nagoya school or Masanao from Ise-Yamada, compare for example confused with the great Masanao of Kyoto, is a name associated
the treatment of the fur in our next catalog no. 103. It is easy to see why with a family of carvers from the little town of Ise, incidentally not
he became independent, as he possessed considerable carving ability and too far away from Tsu, as it is believed that the first Masanao may
managed to portray a sense of superior naturalism in his work, without HAVE BEEN A PUPIL OF -INKO WHICH COULD EXPLAIN THE CONNECTION
losing any individuality. His goats are probably his most recognizable to Kokei). The goat’s fur is carved with a great sense of detail and
WORK AS ANY CONNOISSEUR OF NETSUKE ART IF THE QUALITY IS RIGHT AS IN THE naturalism. It lifts its head up high and produces a gentle smile,
present piece), will immediately identify it as Kokei. The fur is carved the eyes inlaid in dark horn. The underside with exceptionally
masterfully, creating a three-dimensional effect, as are the horns, the carved legs and hooves and with the signature in a polished reserve
swinging tail and the characteristic chin beard. Turning the netsuke reveals MASANAO.
the legs and hooves, which have a delightful dark patina, and are as
the rest of the piece carved crisply. Natural himotoshi and the signature HEIGHT 3.5 CM
located in a polished reserve KOKEI.
Condition: Very good condition
HEIGHT 2.9 CM, LENGTH 4.5 CM Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Condition: Excellent condition, beautiful patina !UCTION COMPARISON &OR ANOTHER GOAT BY -ASANAO SEE "ONHAMS
0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBY S The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part III,
BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED INVENTORY NO London, 6 November 2018, lot 77.
!UCTION COMPARISON &OR A SIMILAR GOAT BY +OKEI SEE "ONHAMS 4HE (ARRIET Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, London, 8 November 2011, lot 143. Starting price EUR 1.000,-
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,-
76 77
