Page 79 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

EDO & TOKyO SCHOOL

146| AN EARLY EDO SChOOL WOOD NETSUKE
OF DAIKOKU ShAVING FUKUROKUJU

Unsigned
Japan, Edo, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A rather large and early wood netsuke depicting an unusual
variation of the known subject of Daikoku shaving the amusingly
large head of Fukurokuju. Instead of the commonly seen ladder,
Daikoku stands on a distinctive stool with a generous large
himotoshi (the other is ‘natural’) to accommodate a large knot,
while Fukurokuju holds a pan to catch any falling bristles, though
at an angle which would inevitably lead to their falling to the floor.
The wood is of an attractive chocolate brown color, with a natural
developed, beautiful patina. remnants of black lacquer in the
recesses, typical for early wood netsuke.
The carving style can be attributed to the circle of hands around
Gessho or Shugetsu.
HEIGHT 5.2 cm
145| NOBUAKI: A LARGE AND AMUSING Condition: Good condition
IVORY NETSUKE OF A DRUNKEN ShOJO with expected wear and
WITh TURTLES a beautiful patina. Some
smaller chips, the largest
By Nobuaki, signed Nobuaki 延秋 one to the edge of the
Japan, second half of 19th century pan.
Provenance: British
collection.
A large okimono-style ivory netsuke depicting a laughing shojo
holding an overflowing sakazuki (sake cup) for four turtles which Estimate EUR 2.000,-
lap up the alcohol, one falling backwards. An amusing composition Starting price EUr 1.000,-
with lots of detail – note the fine decorations of the shojo’s kimono,
the large ladle visible underneath and the stalks of reishi fungus
– which is, like the turtles and sake, a symbol of longevity. Natural
himotoshi.
HEIGHT 3.6 cm, LENGTH 4.7 cm
147| GESShO: AN EARLY EDO SChOOL
Condition: Excellent, undamaged condition. WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ACTOR
Provenance: Belgian private collection. DRESSED AS A TEMpLE SERVANT
Estimate EUR 2.000,- By Gessho, signed Gessho 月生
Starting price EUr 1.000,-
Japan, Edo, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The actor standing and leaning forwards. He wears a mask, an
eboshi hat, courtly robes and holds a fan in his right hand. The
wood of a good color with an appealing natural hand patina.
Generous himotoshi to the reverse, typical of early Edo school
carvings. Signed in the back GESSHO.

HEIGHT 5.4 cm
Condition: Both feet professionally restored. Fine patina.
Provenance: British collection.
There are several Noh plays which feature temple servants, such
as the Dojo-ji play. Though there are plenty of netsuke depicting
temple servants, an actor portraying one is considerably rare.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUr 1.000,-

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