Page 9 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

9 | GIShO: AN IVORY NETSUKE 11 | A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE
OF A SARUMAWAShI OF A FOX pRIEST (hAKUZOSU)
By Gisho (Gijo), signed Gisho 義證 Unsigned
Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The monkey trainer depicted standing and beating a drum, while The fox priest Hakuzosu depicted here entirely in human form
his trained monkey sits on his shoulder, one hand resting on (very rare), with a finely carved face resembling an old man. He is
the sarumawashi’s head. The clothing of the man is elaborately almost entirely clothed in a hooded robe, only the face, the hands
decorated with large, finely carved leaves against a dotted leaning on the cane, and the feet are visible. Fine patina and good
background. His face is well-carved, as he looks upwards to his left, asymmetrical himotoshi through the back.
his mouth opened as if he was chanting. Signed next to the well
hollowed-out himotoshi in the reverse – GISHO. The artist appears Hakuzosu is the name of a popular kitsune character who
to be very rare, with only two other netsuke being recorded. shapeshifted into a priest in the Kyogen play Tsurigitsune. Kitsune
(foxes) are creatures imbued with magical powers and are known
HEIGHT 7.2 cm to have the ability of shapeshifting. They are also believed to be
animated by the devils.
Condition: The rope that was once attached to the monkey has
been largely lost, furthermore there appears to be some damage HEIGHT 9.4 cm
to the hand, where the rope passed through. Otherwise good
condition, with a fine patina and expected age cracks. Condition: Very good condition, the ivory slightly worn.
Provenance: French private collection. Provenance: Old private collection Milan, Italy.

Estimate EUR 3.000,- Estimate EUR 4.000,-
Starting price EUr 1.500,- Starting price EUr 2.000,-

10 | ShUYO: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE
OF A BOY hOLDING A LOTUS FLOWER
By Shuyo, signed Shuyo 秀予
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The boy standing tall, the eye pupils attractively inlaid in reddish
horn, holding one hand to his ear and the other holding a large
blooming lotus stem, the end with a finely carved lotus bud and
a crumpled leaf. The boy is dressed in a quite unusual attire,
elegantly decorated with various patterns, the sleeves finely flowing.
The depiction is probably a symbol for a Kannon (Guanyin), who is
frequently seen holding a lotus flower in this position and who is
also known as the goddess of motherly compassion. Well-placed,
functional himotoshi to the back and signed on a fold of his
garment near the knee SHUyO – a rare artist.
HEIGHT 8.5 cm
Condition: Superb and original condition – few, fine age cracks.
Good, yellowish patina to the reverse.
Provenance: Belgian private collection.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUr 1.500,-

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