Page 12 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

19 | A RARE IVORY NETSUKE
OF A WASp ON NASUBI
Unsigned
Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A rare subject, particularly unusual in ivory, depicting a wasp on
top of a nasubi (eggplant). The ivory has a nice tactile feel to it and
a fine, glistening patina turning deep caramel-orange near the
himotoshi.
LENGTH 5.2 cm
Condition: Good condition with expected age cracks and age-
appropriate wear.
Provenance: Old Austrian private collection.
Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUr 500,-

18 | A RARE AND EARLY IVORY NETSUKE
OF A MONKEY WITh YOUNG
Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A well-loved and early piece with significant amount of wear and 20 | A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A
a beautiful patina. Depicted is a large male monkey with a smaller SNAIL ON LARGE MUShROOM
monkey resting on his thigh. The larger monkey is looking upwards,
with many wrinkles in his face and bulging eyes, while the younger Unsigned
monkey is depicted sensitively with closed eyes and sleeping, Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
producing an interesting contrast. The father rests one hand on the
young monkey’s back, which visually calms him, and uses the other
to scratch his own back. Good and well-hidden himotoshi through An old, pleasingly tactile, and finely stained ivory netsuke with a
the side and the belly. stunning patina. Depicted is a naturalistically carved snail slithering
across the radial gills of a large mushroom with a thick stem in the
HEIGHT 4.8 cm center, the underside of the stem with a finely stippled surface. The
reverse showing the mushroom’s cap and himotoshi.
Condition: An old chip to the feet of the monkeys near the area
of the himotoshi. Many expected age cracks, beautiful patina with HEIGHT 5.8 cm
some honey colored areas.
provenance: British private collection with two valuations from Condition: Good condition, stunning honey patina. Age cracks.
Sotheby’s, by Neil K. Davey, dated 1974 & 1984, inventory no. 99. Provenance: French private collection.
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUr 750,- Starting price EUr 1.000,-

20 21