Page 77 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

137| A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A MOKUGYO 139| A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SLEEpING CAT

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

Carved as a Buddhist percussion instrument, also known as a The cat (neko) is considerably rare in netsuke art. Here it is depicted
mokugyo (meaning literally wooden fish), resembling a leaping carp. sleeping serenely, its head and front paws rested on an opened
The surface worked with beautifully rendered scales. The underside uchiwa fan. The hairwork is finely incised, appropriately worn,
is hollowed out so that when struck it makes a similar sound as its and the long tail extends over its back. The underside with good,
real-life counterpart would. asymmetrical himotoshi.
LENGTH 3.8 cm LENGTH 3.8 cm
Condition: Excellent condition. Condition: Good condition. Expected age cracks and wear.
Provenance: European collection. Provenance: French private collection.

Estimate EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUr 500,- Starting price EUr 750,-

138| A WOOD NETSUKE 140| SEIMIKEN: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF
OF A CAT ON A BROOM A MONKEY ON TOp OF A BEEhIVE
Unsigned Signed Seimiken 青未軒
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Finely carved as a cat (neko) reclining atop a broom. The wood of An ivory netsuke of a monkey seated atop a beehive with incised
a good color with an appealing patina. The straw broom well- honeycombs. The monkey’s fur is finely worked and beautifully
carved all around and the underside with large and asymmetrical worn. The ivory of a good color with a fine patina. Good himotoshi
himotoshi. through the hive and signed within a wavy reserve SEIMIKEN.
LENGTH 5 cm HEIGHT 3.8 cm
Condition: Excellent undamaged condition. Condition: Good condition, fine patina, age cracks.
Provenance: European collection. Provenance: French private collection.
Estimate EUR 1.200,- Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUr 600,- Starting price EUr 750,-

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