Page 10 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

13 | AN EARLY WOOD NETSUKE
OF OKAME IN A BAThTUB
Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)

The wood netsuke of a good size and
depicting the Shinto goddess Okame
bathing herself in a tub. She has a
pronounced forehead, large chubby
cheeks, and one of her breasts is revealed,
the other is hidden behind her raised
knee. rather amusingly, she tries to reach
her back with her hands, to wash herself
with the sponge she is holding, but due to
her exaggerated proportions is unable to
do so. remnants of black lacquer in the
crevices and large, asymmetrical himotoshi
to the underside, both indications for an
early netsuke.

HEIGHT 3.7 cm, DIAMETEr 3.9 cm
Condition: Good condition with associated
wear and fine patina. An old smoothed
down chip to the edge of the tub.
Provenance: British collection.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUr 1.000,-

12 | A RARE AND EARLY WOOD NETSUKE OF hOTEI
Unsigned
Japan, early to mid-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The lucky deity shown seated in voluminous robes revealing his
bulging stomach and chest, leaning against his treasure bag and 14 | A WOOD NETSUKE OF
holding a Buddhist wish-fulfilling jewel (chintamani) in his right A TEMpLE SERVANT (EJI)
hand. His face is carved expressively. The wood with an exceptional
patina from centuries of handling and some remnants of a black Unsigned
coating is visible in the crevices. The exceptionally large and Japan, probably Edo, early 19th century,
hollowed out himotoshi are found in the back and underside. Edo period (1615-1868)
This netsuke belongs to a group of early and often quite simple
netsuke, which are best recognizable by the extraordinarily large The temple servant (eji) taking a break
and functional himotoshi. Usually they are carved from ivory, resting on top of a parasol. His expression
making this netsuke particularly interesting. is crafted very well, showing him in high
spirits, though his facial features are
HEIGHT 3.4 cm worn-out from his hard work. Good patina.
Himotoshi through the parasol.
Condition: Good age-related condition with some surface wear
including old cracks (notably to the back of the head), surface LENGTH 7.1 cm
scratches and tiny nicks.
provenance: Ex collection Walter Lionel Behrens (1861-1913), sold Condition: Very good condition with age-
at Glendining’s, London, 1 December 1913, lot 360B. Estate Albert related surface wear.
Brockhaus (1855-1921), acquired at the above auction. Provenance: European collection.
Estimate EUR 3.000,- Portrait of Portrait of Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUr 1.500,- Walter lionel Behrens Albert Brockhaus Starting price EUr 750,-

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