Page 94 - Fine Japanese Netsuke, Sagemono, Oikimono April 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

DOG / INU

121
A FINE NETSUKE OF A PUPPY WITH AWABI BY YAMAGUCHI
OKATOMO
"Y /KATOMO IVORY NETSUKE
Japan, Kyoto, late 18 to early 19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
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A very fine and sensitive study of a young and chubby pup resting
his front paws on an awabi ABALONE SHELL ! CLASSIC MODEL FROM
Yamaguchi Okatomo, one of the greatest artists from Kyoto. The
dog is carved very naturalistically, with neatly incised and inked
fur, which has been worn over time. The expression of the puppy
is achieved masterfully – a mixture of deep satisfaction with a hint
of playfulness. The eyes are inlaid in reddish horn and the signature
is located on one of the buttocks in a square reserve OKATOMO.
Natural himotoshi.
HEIGHT 3.3 CM

Condition: Very good condition
Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman

Auction comparison: Compare to another model of a puppy with
!WABI BY /KATOMO SOLD AT #HRISTIE S *APANESE !RT AND $ESIGN
London, 16 May 2012, lot 63.

Estimate EUR 1.500,-
120 Starting price EUR 750,-
A CHARMING AND FINE NETSUKE OF A DOG WITH PUP BY
TANETOSHI
"Y 4ANETOSHI IVORY NETSUKE
Japan, 20 century
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A masterfully animated group of finely crafted figures. The quality
of this work is that of Kaigyokusai or Rantei. The dog is wearing
a collar, its anatomy is executed very precisely, the costal arch,
fine fur, dark inlaid eyes. Its tail is coiled, the younger dog is lying
on its back between his front legs and is being held down by the
FATHER "OTH EXPRESSIONS ARE CHARMING NATURALISTIC AND MASTERFULLY 122
executed. Underneath the signature TANETOSHI with seal 㖶. The A CHARMING IVORY NETSUKE OF A DOG ON AN AWABI BY
artist is the son of Meigyokusai, a Japanese contemporary artist GYOKUSAI
from the lineage of Gyokuzan. A very unusual piece since it shows "Y 'YOKUSAI IVORY NETSUKE
wear and patina. Japan, Tokyo, mid-19 CENTURY %DO PERIOD
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HEIGHT 3.5 CM ! YOUNG PUPPY LYING COMFORTABLY ON AN ABALONE awabi), its head
on the characteristic row of holes. Young puppies such as this one
Condition: Very good condition, beautiful patina are a symbol of good health, while dried abalone meat was often
Provenance: Austrian private collection gifted and represented a long life. The puppy has black inlaid eyes.
Himotoshi on the underside, signed GYOKUSAI on an inlaid small
Estimate EUR 2.000,- mother-of-pearl plaque. The artist is probably the one mentioned in
Starting price EUR 1.000,- MCI as being from the Tomochika school.
HEIGHT 2.2 CM, LENGTH 3.6 CM

Condition: Excellent condition
Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London Gentleman
Estimate EUR 800,-
Starting price EUR 400,-

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