Page 80 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

MONKEY / SARU

104
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF MONKEYS AND RATS BY GYOKUMIN
"Y 'YOKUMIN IVORY NETSUKE
Japan, 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
th
4WO MONKEYS saru PLAYING WITH FOUR RATS "OTH ANIMALS ARE SIGNS OF THE *APANESE ZODIAC THE RAT
nezumi) is abbreviated to Ne and is the first sign because it cheekily jumped over the ox. The monkeys
have very finely and densely carved fur, rather bulky bodies the scrambling rats are very small and
carved in a lively manner, their thin long tails are quite amusing. Natural himotoshi through the
monkeys’ legs. The signature GYOKUMIN on a small outlined rectangular plate. Compare to the netsuke
no. 106 in this catalog by Seigyoku. 105 106
AN AMUSING IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO ACROBATIC AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY TEACHING HIS YOUNG BY
7)$4( #- MONKEYS IN A CHESTNUT BY TAMEKAZU SEIGYOKU
"Y 4AMEKAZU IVORY NETSUKE "Y 3EIGYOKU IVORY NETSUKE
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Condition: Generally, in good condition, one of the monkeys with one arm with a larger crack *APAN -EIJI PERIOD Japan, late 19 CENTURY -EIJI PERIOD
Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
The chestnut is naturalistically carved with the stippled surface on A beautifully carved study of a father monkey holding down a
Estimate EUR 1.200,- the base and the ribbed texture around the upper section. The front sparrow and showing his offspring how to kill it. The young monkey
Starting price EUR 600,- section of the chestnut is well hollowed out, with a little monkey looks on enthusiastically and is holding another smaller sparrow by
upside down, being pulled up by another monkey which sits on the wing. Sensitive details in the facial expressions and overall a very
top of the fruit, one leg trailing as it struggles to pull its companion charming netsuke. Natural himotoshi and signature SEIGYOKU on
out of the chestnut. The monkey, also known as saru, is the ninth the underside. Compare also to the netsuke by Gyokumin no. 104 in
animal in the zodiac and a well-loved netsuke theme. Often, this catalog.
they are depicted eating their favorite fruits such as chestnuts or
biwa, however another popular theme which has developed is the HEIGHT 3.2 CM
monkey emerging from the chestnut – this netsuke shows this motif
with an inspired and humorous twist. Signed in a polished reserve Condition: Very good condition, fine patina, minor areas of
TAMEKAZU next to two irregular and ribbed himotoshi. discoloration
Provenance: European private collection
HEIGHT 4.4 CM
!UCTION COMPARISON ! SIMILAR NETSUKE AS SOLD AT "ONHAMS
Condition: Very good condition Fine Japanese Art including two masterpieces by Kitaoji Rosanjin
Provenance: French private collection, old label to the base ,ONDON .OVEMBER LOT
Estimate EUR 800,- Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 500,-

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