Page 13 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

21 | A RARE AND LARGE IVORY SEAL Condition: Very good condition. Fine
NETSUKE OF YOJO AND ChO BUJUTSU age cracks and surface wear.
provenance: Belgian private collection,
Unsigned acquired from Barry Davies in 1999.
Japan, mid-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Literature comparison:
published: Barry Davies Oriental Art, Chicago 1999, no. 17. Another netsuke of the same
subject, also showing Cho Bujutsu
on horseback, is illustrated in Karl M.
An exceptionally well-carved, dynamic, and large ivory seal netsuke Schwarz (1992) Netsuke Subjects, no.
with a rare depiction of Cho Bujutsu on horseback passing down 132.
his cloak to yojo on the ground, the horse’s feet standing on a base
with a finely decorated edge. The expressions convey the scene The story of Cho Bujutsu and yojo is
very well, as Cho hands down the cloak with a spirited and taunting described in Henri L. Joly, Legend in
demeanor to his sorrowful rival, the horse lifting its head and Japanese Art, p. 569. yojo (in Chinese
neighing triumphantly. The horse has both of its right legs lifted, the yu Jang) wanted to avenge the death
garments are flowing – it appears as if Cho is simply passing by to of his master by the hands of Cho
hand over the cloak – all of this lends movement to this exceptional Bujutsu. Several futile attempts ended
seal netsuke, which is quite a feat as ingyo netsuke are usually up with yojo begging for Cho’s royal
rather static. The underside is cut with a five-character seal in mantle, which he then stabbed into
mirror image which was interpreted as translating: “reverent saint shreds with his sword as a token of his
near to paradise” – probably referring to yojo who subsequently revenge. Afterwards yojo killed himself
stabbed the cloak given to him by Cho and then committed an as he could no longer live under the
honorable suicide. Himotoshi through the side and underside of same heaven as his rival.
the horse’s saddle. Fine yellowish patina.
Estimate EUR 10.000,-
HEIGHT 6 cm, LENGTH 4.7 cm Starting price EUr 5.000,-

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