Page 120 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

SAISHIKI NETSUKE

240 | A SUpERB AND MASSIVE SAIShIIKI
NETSUKE OF TEKKAI SENNIN
ATTRIBUTED TO YOShIMURA ShUZAN
Attributed to yoshimura Shuzan, unsigned
Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

published: Malcolm Fairley Japanese Works of Art (2007) Netsuke
from a Private European Collection, Part I, no. 30.

A massive and expressive saishiki (painted) hinoki wood netsuke
of original and powerful design, depicting Tekkai Sennin standing
with a foot and hand braced against his long gnarly staff. His
head is turned upwards to his right, as he exhales his soul with
a concentrated, stern-faced expression. His curly hair and bushy
beard are well-carved, and his elaborate robe is flowing. Himotoshi
through one of the sleeves, which extends to the back.
As with no. 241, much of the polychrome pigments and gesso
remains intact, as it is known that coloring applied by yoshimura
Shuzan, who was a Kano school painter, would not wear off so
easily as with later copies. Shuzan’s netsuke were generally of
exceptional size and he also never signed his netsuke. These are
all good indications that this netsuke may very well be by the great
master himself.
HEIGHT 11.8 cm
Condition: Very good condition with typical associated wear.
Provenance: German private collection.
Estimate EUR 12.000,-
Starting price EUr 6.000,-

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