Page 122 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

243 | AN EXCELLENT ShUZAN STYLE SAIShIKI 244 | A RARE AND LARGE SAIShIKI NETSUKE
NETSUKE OF A FIShERMAN
Unsigned
Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Expressively carved and depicting a standing fisherman, wearing
only a loincloth, his muscular arms, spine, and rib cage rendered
powerfully. The bearded fisherman has long curling hair and holds
a large fish and a hyotan (double gourd) in his hands – an unusual
combination. The netsuke is carved from hinoki (cypress) wood, and
is colored in polychrome pigments and gesso, largely worn through
centuries of handling. Good himotoshi through the back.
HEIGHT 9.2 cm
Condition: Good condition with age-related wear.
provenance: Ancient collection Albert Brockhaus (1855 - 1921),
Leipzig, acquired at J. C. F. Schwartze, Berlin, 16th December 1905.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUr 1.500,-
Portrait of
Albert Brockhaus
240
OF AN AMA WITh AMOROUS OCTOpUS
Unsigned
Japan, Osaka, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)
A large saishiki (painted) hinoki (cypress) wood netsuke depicting
an ama (diving or fisher girl) engaged in a lustful struggle with an
octopus. The ama has long hair which gently flows down her back
and she is dressed only in a red skirt, which the octopus pulls
down, revealing her voluptuous behind in the back. The octopus is
entangled around her right leg, his arms forming sinuously curling
bundles. His lips are pressed forwards suggestively, the eyes gazing
at her private parts. The ama has one hand placed on her chest
frivolously and the other pressed against her cheek – she is clearly
enjoying the octopus’ company. The hinoki wood is treated with
polychrome pigments and some gesso, attractively worn all around.
The himotoshi in the back are indicative of the period, and are
generously excavated, exactly as they should be.
HEIGHT 12.5 cm
Condition: Good age-related condition, the polychrome pigments
worn as is to be expected.
Provenance: British collection.
Estimate EUR 2.500,-
Starting price EUr 1.250,-
241