Page 113 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

226 | A VERY RARE WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF
TSUChIGOMO ATTRIBUTED TO KOKEISAI
SANShO
Attributed to Kokeisai Sansho (1871-1926), unsigned
Japan, Osaka, early 20th century
published: Bulletin Franco Japonais, no. 143, Masques
Extraordinaires, January 2020, p. 19, no. 26.

The mask in the shape of a one-eyed bakemono spider, probably
a variation of the famous yokai Tsuchigomo (meaning literally
earth spider). The mask netsuke is carved from a lightly stained,
pale wood, the details finely rendered. Tsuchigomo has one
large, central eye with a pierced pupil, terrifyingly large and sharp
mandibles in the front, and four legs carved on each side. The
choice of wood, stain, and carving style are highly suggestive of
Kokeisai Sansho (1871-1926). The cord attachment is around the
central bridge in the reverse.
HEIGHT 4.5 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
provenance: Ex collection Dr. E. Franckel, Vienna, sold by
Kunsthandel Klefisch, 21 June 1997, no. 402, purchased by the
European private collector P. Jacquesson.
Estimate EUR 5.000,-
Starting price EUr 2.500,-

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