Page 23 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

38 | hIDEMASA: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE
OF FUKUROKUJU pLAYING KEMARI
By Hidemasa, signed Hidemasa 秀正
Japan, Osaka, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

published: Zacke (1989) Netsuke von Meistern, no. 57
(illustrated in color!).

A finely stained and carved ivory netsuke depicting the lucky
god Fukurokuju playing kemari by heading a small ball with his
amusingly large and elongated head, which truly makes him the
ideal kemari player. Kemari, a popular athletic game during the
Heian period (794-1185), is one of the earliest versions of football
and it is a non-competitive game where the goal is to keep the ball
in the air. In this netsuke Fukurokuju pulls his head back to head
the ball, which is balancing on his forehead. He seems to greatly
enjoy himself, and his facial features are masterfully carved, typical
for Hidemasa of Osaka. One foot is raised, lending movement to
the composition, and in one hand he holds his beard, straightening
it. The signature HIDEMASA is found in the back just below the
head, and the himotoshi are well-hidden in the god’s flowing
sleeves.
HEIGHT 4.3 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
provenance: Old Viennese private collection, collection no. 52,
acquired from Zacke in 1989, Netsuke von Meistern, no. 57.

Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUr 1.500,-

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