Page 82 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

154| GENRYOSAI MINKOKU I: A LARGE
AND pOWERFUL WOOD NETSUKE
OF A STANDING KAN’U

By Genryosai Minkoku I, signed Minkoku 民谷
Japan, Edo, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A powerful and large figure, of profound sculptural quality,
depicting the god of war Kan’u in a windswept stance, grasping
his halberd with both hands, ready for action. His robe is adorned
with cloud motifs and a lion mask with tasseled chains hangs
from his obi. His face and long beard are finely carved. The typical
asymmetrical himotoshi in the reverse are generously excavated.
Signed in the back within a rectangular reserve MINKOKU.
Several variants of this model are known by Minkoku. The present
netsuke is among the largest and the only one where the god of
war grasps the halberd with both hands.
HEIGHT 9.4 cm

Condition: Both feet have been re-attached, and the pommel of the
halberd is professionally restored. Otherwise fine condition.
Provenance: Private Japanese and russian collections.
Literature comparison:
A similar smaller variant (8 cm) is currently in the LA County
Museum, formerly in the Bushell collection, accession no.
91.250.183.
Estimate EUR 15.000,-
Starting price EUr 7.500,-

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