Page 68 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

123 | ShOKO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE
OF A SKELETON STIRRING MISO
By Shoko Sugunoya, signed Shoko 尚古
Japan, Takayama, Hida school, mid-19th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)

A finely carved netsuke of a skeleton stirring miso inside a large
suribachi. Skeletons were one of Shoko’s favorite subjects, probably
to show off his superior skill in carving them. Note the anatomically
precise details of the individual bones and ribs. The finely
stained wood of a very good color. Natural himotoshi and signed
underneath the suribachi SHOKO.

HEIGHT 4.3 cm
Condition: Old repair (completely original) to the right femur,
otherwise excellent condition.
Provenance: US private collection.
Literature comparison:
A similar netsuke is shown in Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A
comprehensive study based on the M. T. Hindson Collection, p. 239,
no. 741.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUr 1.500,-

124 | MATSUDA SUKENAGA: A FINE WOOD
NETSUKE OF A FROG ON ROOF TILE
By Matsuda Sukenaga (1800-1872), signed Sukenaga 亮長 and
kakihan
Japan, Takayama, Hida school, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-
1868)

A fine wood netsuke of a large frog on top of a broken rooftile,
its limbs splayed in an alert position. The realistically rendered
amphibian’s skin is carved extremely well with alternating grooves
and ridges in-between finely polished areas. The double-inlaid
eyes of pale and dark horn give life to the creature. Note also the
finely carved and particularly thick fingers, which are a trademark
of Matsuda Sukenaga, who is perhaps best known for his netsuke
depicting frogs. The front of the rooftile is finely stippled and
decorated with a formal image of a flower and vine. The underside
with a central himotoshi and the signature SUKENAGA with an
exuberant kakihan.

LENGTH 4.2 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: British private collection.
Literature comparison:
A very similar example is illustrated in Scholten Japanese Art (2001)
Expressions of Style Netsuke as Art, p. 137, no. 167.
Estimate EUR 5.000,-
Starting price EUr 2.500,-

132 133