Page 16 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

26 | A LARGE IVORY NETSUKE OF KAN’U 27 | A VERY RARE TALL IVORY NETSUKE
OF A ChINESE DOCTOR
Unsigned
Japan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The god of war standing tall, stroking his beard with one hand,
and holding his dragon-bladed halberd down with the other. His The ivory netsuke finely stained and with a rich patina. Depicted
gauntlets are adorned with inlaid horn buttons. His expression is is a Chinese doctor with characteristic facial features and a chin
powerful and deeply focused. His facial hair and the surface of his beard. He wears a doctor’s cap, holds a bamboo basket before
robe are finely engraved and inked for texture. The backside shows him and a finely carved medicinal leaf is draped over his shoulder.
an attractive yellow color and large asymmetrical himotoshi. His well-carved flowing robe is incised with cloud patterns and the
himotoshi in the reverse are spectacularly large and functional,
HEIGHT 11.8 cm indicative of the early period.

Condition: Excellent condition with expected age cracks. HEIGHT 9.4 cm
Provenance: British private collection.
Condition: Very good condition. Tiny, old restoration to a section of
Literature comparison: the toes of the right foot.
Compare to a similar netsuke of a standing Kan’u likely by the same Provenance: French private collection.
hand in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2004) Outside the Box, pp. 26-27, no.
8. AUCTION COMpARISON
Another netsuke depicting the subject
Estimate EUR 8.000,- of a Chinese doctor was sold by
Starting price EUr 4.000,-
Bonhams, The James A. rose Collection
of Netsuke and Sagemono, 17
September 2013, New york, lot 2080
(sold for 11.875 USD).
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUr 1.500,-

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