Page 83 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

156| MINKOKU: A FINE MIXED MATERIAL NETSUKE-
OKIMONO OF TWO CORAL FIShERMEN
By Genryosai Minkoku, signed Minkoku 民谷
Japan, Edo, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A very fine study carved mainly from finely polished ebony wood Condition: Good condition – some old glue residue visible and the
with details in coral, beautifully stained ivory, and silver wire. right hand of the kneeling islander with an old repair.
Depicted are two kurombojin, also known as coral fishermen provenance: Private collection, purchased from Christie’s, 28 May
or south sea islanders. One of them is kneeling in the front and 1980, lot 82.
carrying an amusingly large piece of coral hoisted onto his back by
his islander companion behind him. The kneeling islander is visibly
strained as he pulls on the rope which is wrapped around the coral. AUCTION COMpARISON
The amusing scene has a certain parodic quality, enhanced by the A similar netsuke by the same
fact the standing islander looks at the viewer, bemused and almost hand was sold at Bonhams,
questioning his grotesque task. The details show extremely fine The Julius and Arlette Katchen
carving, such as the fine curls of the characteristically curly hair. The Collection of Fine Netsuke Part
interaction of the various materials used is pleasing to the eye. The II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 43
entire composition is set on a base with a central himotoshi and the (sold for 6.250 GBp).
signature is within a rectangular reserve underneath – MINKOKU.
Estimate EUR 4.000,-
HEIGHT 4 cm Starting price EUr 2.000,-

155| MINKOKU: A RARE IVORY
NETSUKE OF A TENNIN

By Genryosai Minkoku II, signed Minkoku 民谷
Japan, Edo, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
published: Bandini, rosemary (1999) Shishi and other Netsuke.
The Collection of Harriet Szechenyi, p. 46, no. 63.

The Buddhist angel depicted in flight, gracefully smiling, her
hair elegantly tied, neatly incised and inked, held together by
a chrysanthemum tiara. She holds a large lotus bud over her
shoulder like a scepter. Her robe flutters in the breeze, a soft scarf
encircling her head and flowing back towards her feet. Himotoshi
and signature inside a rounded reserve MINKOKU underneath.
LENGTH 4 cm
Condition: Excellent condition, the inked details ever so slightly
worn.
provenance: Harriet Szechenyi collection, sold in her sale at
Bonhams London, 8th November 2011, lot 75 (sold for 3.000
GBp). Then Belgian private collection.
Literature comparison:
For another example of the subject by Minkoku, see Meinertzhagen,
Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 519.
Estimate EUR 4.000,-
Starting price EUr 2.000,-

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