Page 103 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

203 | MIChAEL BIRCh: A DISCOMFITED
DUTCh GENTLEMAN
By Michael Henry Birch (1926-2008), signed with artist’s initials
‘MHB’
c. 1996

published: Birch, JKL (2013) The Art & Life of Michael Birch, p. 87.
Exhibited & Illustrated: The Carvings of Michael Henry Birch,
I.N.S.C., Honolulu, 1997.
Netsuke Sculptures by Michael Henry Birch, I.N.S.C., Honolulu,
2004.

Carved from a fine piece of highlands stag antler, the wide-brimmed
hat made of Molokai Taxis deer antler. The Dutchman’s coat
terminates in elegant curls near his waist, and the three buttons
are inlaid in dark horn. His eyes are inlaid with drawn crystal rods.
When viewing the netsuke one does get the tingling sensation
that this Dutch gentleman is somewhat discomfited – he stands
on his toes uncomfortably with his thighs close together, yet his
expression still remains proud – after all he is a gentleman.

Dutchmen are certainly one of Michael Birch’s most popular
subjects and he was acknowledged for his ability to create
character in a face that is rarely any more, and often much less,
than one centimeter in height. Some collectors consider many
of the faces to be self-portraits, a notion which the artist strongly
denied.
HEIGHT 10 cm

Condition: Excellent condition.
provenance: From the collection of Jonathan Birch, son of Michael
Henry Birch.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUr 1.500,-

204 | MIChAEL BIRCh: FIERCE-FACE MASK In his catalogue for Netsuke and Sculpture, Eskenazi Oriental Art,
London, 1976, Michael Birch wrote:
By Michael Henry Birch (1926-2008), signed with artist’s initials “Masks have been used by cultures throughout history in religious
‘MHB’ ceremonies, dances and theatrical performances. In Japan, they
c. 1995 play a vital part in representing the principal performers in Noh
theatrical dramas, in their classical roles as heroes, gods, demons,
published: Birch, JKL (2013) The Art & Life of Michael Birch, p. 97. ghosts, legendary animals and foreigners. Masks have long been
I.N.S.J., Vol. 16, No. 2, 1996. subjects for netsuke, usually carved singly and sometimes in pairs
Exhibited: The Carvings of Michael Henry Birch, N.K.C., New york, or compact groups.”
1995.
Michael Birch, Netsuke Carver and Sculptor, National College of Art HEIGHT 4.6 cm
& Design, Dublin, 1997.
Condition: Excellent condition.
provenance: From the collection of Jonathan Birch, son of Michael
Carved from the coronet of the stag antler, the outer part smoothly Henry Birch.
polished but left uncarved to retain the natural beauty of the
Self portrait of Michael Birch, material. The center is masterfully carved with an expressively fierce Estimate EUR 2.000,-
unsigned, undated, c. 1972 face mask. Starting price EUr 1.000,-

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