Page 90 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

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A RARE AND EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO A FINE AND RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF THE SANBIKI
MONKEYS SARU
Unsigned, ivory netsuke Unsigned, ivory netsuke
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Japan, 18 CENTURY %DO PERIOD Japan, late 18 to early 19 century,
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%DO PERIOD
A well-loved and early piece with significant amount
OF WEAR AND A BEAUTIFUL PATINA $EPICTED IS A LARGE An ivory netsuke of the three wise monkeys, also known
male monkey with a smaller monkey resting on his as sanbiki saru, shown here as a large monkey with two
thigh. The larger monkey is looking upwards, with of its young. The larger monkey is holding the mouth
many wrinkles in his face and bulging eyes, while the of the young monkey on his shoulder and the eyes of
younger monkey is depicted sensitively with closed the other child to his left. In return, they are holding his
eyes and sleeping, producing an interesting contrast. ears, thus completing the representation of the three
The father rests one hand on the young monkey’s wise monkeys, which embody the proverbial principle
back, which visually calms him, and uses the other of ‘speak no evil’, ‘hear no evil’ and ‘see no evil’. A
to scratch his back. Good and well-hidden himotoshi charming and unusual netsuke with a beautiful patina
through the side and the belly. and good, large himotoshi to the reverse.
HEIGHT 4.8 CM HEIGHT 6.6 CM

Condition: An old chip to the larger monkey’s foot, Condition: Good condition, expected age cracks
many expected age cracks, beautiful patina with some 0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION STORED IN A BANK
honey colored areas vault for 40 years, collection no. 80
0ROVENANCE "RITISH PRIVATE COLLECTION WITH TWO
VALUATIONS FROM 3OTHEBY S BY .EIL + $AVEY DATED Estimate EUR 1.500,-
& 1984, inventory no. 99 Starting price EUR 750,-

Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

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