Page 73 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

130| OTOMAN: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE
OF KINTARO WITh TWO MONKEYS
By Matsushita Otoman, unsigned
Japan, Hakata, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A fine and dynamically crafted ivory netsuke depicting the strong
boy Kintaro holding his axe behind his back, one monkey peeking
out from underneath him and the other trying to grapple the axe
from Kintaro’s grasp by pulling on a rope. The expressions are
very typical for the work of Matsushita Otoman, who this work
is confidently attributed to. The ivory of a good color with a fine
yellowish patina. Himotoshi through the axe in the back and the
other hidden underneath Kintaro.
HEIGHT 4.8 cm
Condition: Very good condition. The details slightly worn and few
expected age cracks.
Provenance: British collection.
Literature comparison:
A number of works can be compared which underline the
attribution to Matsushita Otoman. Note the very similar face with
closed eyes and the typical broad nose, shown in the netsuke by
Otoman of a sleeping temple servant, illustrated in Zacke, Kunst der
Nestuke und Inro Japans - Ausstellung 1991, no. 39.

AUCTION COMpARISON
Compare also to a netsuke by
the same artist recently sold
in these rooms, Zacke, Fine
Netsuke and Sagemono, 27
March 2020, lot 104 (sold for
7.584 EUR).

Estimate EUR 6.000,-
Starting price EUr 3.000,-

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