Page 67 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

121 | MASANAO ShINZAN: A WOOD
NETSUKE OF A COILED SNAKE
By Masanao Shinzan (1904-1982), signed Masanao 正直
Japan, 20th century

The lurking snake (hebi) forms a dense bundle with its sinuously
curling body, resting its head at the very top, the focusing eyes
inlaid in dark horn. The scales are realistically rendered, executed
with alternating polished areas in-between finely incised ridges.
The underside with the signature MASANAO and ‘naturally’ worked
himotoshi.

As is evident in the style of the carving, Masanao Shinzan (1904-
1982) was a member of the Masanao family of yamada. His
daughter Masami is the last surviving member and still carves
netsuke to this day.

HEIGHT 3.6 cm

Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: European private collection.

Auction comparison:
A similar netsuke was sold by Zacke, Netsuke, Shin Hanga und
Sosaku Hanga - Ausstellung 2009, lot 74.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUr 750,-

122 | ShOKO: A WOOD NETSUKE
OF AN ONI STIRRING MISO
By Shoko Sugunoya, signed Shoko 尚古
Japan, Takayama, Hida school, mid-19th century, Edo period
120 | A FINE RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE (1615-1868)
OF A QUAIL AND MILLET

Unsigned Finely carved as a seated oni vigorously stirring miso paste inside
Japan, probably Ise-yamada, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) the suribachi before him, the oni’s eyes inlaid in dark horn. He
wears a monk’s robe, with one shoulder uncovered, decorated
published: Scholten Japanese Art (2001) Expressions of Style with clouds – signifying he is a repentant oni, now performing the
Netsuke as Art, p. 155, no. 199. serious task of stirring miso paste, rather than causing mischief.
Natural himotoshi, though the carving certainly has okimono-
character. Signed underneath the bowl SHOKO.
Of thick ryusa-manju shape, the front and back separated by
a concentric central band. Depicted is a plump feathery quail HEIGHT 5.1 cm
standing on a rock underneath a canopy of millet grasses. The
finely stained wood is carved with stunning detail, showing Condition: Excellent condition.
densely bundled and elegantly flowing grasses. The quail’s visible Provenance: European collection, old Japanese collection label.
eye is inlaid in dark horn. Several natural openings for the cord
attachment. Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUr 1.000,-
The combination of quail and millet is popular in Japanese art and
symbolizes Autumn.
DIAMETEr 3.8 cm, THICKNESS 3 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: US private collection.
Estimate EUR 2.500,-
Starting price EUr 1.250,-

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