Page 62 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

111 | A FINE TANBA SChOOL WOOD
NETSUKE OF TENGU NO TOMAGO
Unsigned
Japan, Tanba, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A fine and ideally shaped wood netsuke depicting a karasu tengu
hatching from an egg, also known as ‘tengu no tomago’. The carving
is executed in typical Tanba school style and could confidently
wear the signature of Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856) or one of his
pupils. The wood is of a characteristic reddish color, finely polished,
and the carving of the mythical creature’s feathers and wings are
extremely fine with immaculate incision work. The eyes, as well, are
inlaid in the typical manner of the Toyomasa school with gleaming
yellowish horn with drilled pupils which peer to the right, giving
life to the tengu’s amusing expression. Very good, asymmetrical
himotoshi through the underside.
HEIGHT 3.7 cm, LENGTH 3.9 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: British private collection.
AUCTION COMpARISON
Compare to a similar netsuke
signed Toyomasa, sold by
Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12
November 2015, London, lot 112
(sold for 6.000 GBp).
110 | KOKEI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A TIGER Estimate EUR 4.000,-
Starting price EUr 2.000,-
By Kokei, signed Kokei 虎溪
Japan, Tsu or Ise, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A fine, compact and dynamic study of a snarling tiger, its
pronounced chubby paws placed afore and the thick tail curling
over its back. Particular attention has been given to the fur of the
tiger, the stripes being rendered by alternating patches of finely
incised lines and smoothly polished areas. The underside shows
the signature KOKEI 虎溪 in a polished reserve. Natural himotoshi.
This model is slightly smaller in size than other known tigers by
the artist, though it excels in its movement, making it considerably
more unique.

HEIGHT 2.6 cm, LENGTH 3.7 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: British collection.
Kokei is assumed to have been a pupil of Minko, however is said to
have become independent subsequently. Perhaps he moved to Ise,
as his work shows both similarities with the Masanao family of Ise
and the school of Minko in Tsu.

AUCTION COMpARISON
A similar netsuke was sold
recently by Zacke, Fine Netsuke
& Sagemono, 27 March 2020,
Vienna, lot 73 (sold for 5.256
EUR).

Estimate EUR 4.000,-
Starting price EUr 2.000,-

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