Page 64 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

113 | A RARE TANBA SChOOL WOOD NETSUKE
OF A RAT INSIDE A MIKAN

Unsigned
Japan, Tanba, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A finely carved and rounded composition depicting a rat inside a
mikan (tangerine). The genius design, perhaps even comparable
in its functionality and originality to the great Masanao (yamada)
coiled rat, originates from the Tanba school of carvers founded by
Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856), however usually a dragon is depicted
instead of a rat. The attractively worn wood is finely darkened and
accentuated for effect. The rat has eaten its way inside the mikan,
its body and head separated by the stippled skin of the mikan, and
its tail is finely curling around. The large eyes are inlaid in dark horn.
Himotoshi through the stem, from which a finely carved leaf trails
down the side. 115 | MASANAO: A FINE WOOD
NETSUKE OF A COILED RAT
HEIGHT 2.6 cm, DIAMETEr 3.5 cm
By Masanao, signed Masanao 正直
Condition: Good condition, a section of the rat’s tail with some Japan, Ise-yamada, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
wear.
Provenance: European collection.
A finely carved wood netsuke of a rat (nezumi) tightly coiled into
Estimate EUR 1.500,- a ball. A genius design when considering the functionality as a
Starting price EUr 750,-
netsuke, but also the uniqueness of the depiction. This model is
believed to originate from the Masanao family of Ise-yamada and
was executed in different variations and sizes across members of
the school/family. The fur of the rat is precisely incised, and it is
holding one paw to its face, one is holding its tail which extends
all the way to the back and another is scratching its ear. The bony
fingers of the paws are carved with great detail, giving an eerie
appearance. The large beady eyes are inlaid in black horn. Natural
himotoshi through one of the legs and signed at the back in a
polished reserve MASANAO. One of the finer renditions of this
114 | A WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED RAT model, perhaps even by an accomplished member of the school
such as Masakatsu (see auction comparison).
Unsigned
Japan, probably Ise-yamada, mid-19th century, Edo period HEIGHT 3.6 cm
(1615-1868)
Condition: Very good condition, some areas with minor losses to
staining.
The rat (nezumi) almost entirely coiled into a ball, one paw grasping Provenance: Belgian private collection.
its tail, and another scratching itself. The bulging eyes are inlaid
in dark, lustrous horn. Natural himotoshi through an opening AUCTION
between the body and tail.
COMpARISON
For another rat by Masakatsu
HEIGHT 3.3 cm
see Zacke, Fine Netsuke,
Sagemono & Okimono, 2
Condition: Very good condition. Minor surface wear. The left ear November 2019, Vienna, lot 92
with a small, old, and worn-down chip. (sold for 8.541 EUR).
Provenance: Private estate Vienna, Austria.
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Estimate EUR 5.000,-
Starting price EUr 750,- Starting price EUr 2.500,-

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