Page 195 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

175 | EISHIN: AN IVORY OKIMONO
OF AN OLD WOMAN AND
CHILDREN COLLECTING SHELLS
By Eishin, signed Eishin
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

A charming scene of everyday life with many fine details,
depicting an old woman with three children, two young
boys and a girl, collecting shells, all with neatly incised
patterned robes and expressive faces. They have two full
baskets already, and several inlaid shells can be found
on the ground, but something else has caught their
attention: a fish flailing on the ground, fighting for its life.
The curious children seem quite fascinated by the fish,
and the old woman must restrain one of the boys who is
trying to run towards it. All on a naturalistic base, signed
EISHIN within a rectangular red-lacquered reserve on the
underside.
HEIGHT 14.5 cm

Condition: Excellent condition with only few minor traces
of wear.
Provenance: British collection.

AUCTION COMPARISON
Compare with a related okimono
by the same artist, sold by
Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art,
16 May 2013, London, lot 327
(sold for 3,750 GBP).

Estimate EUR 1,500
Starting price EUR 750

176 | MASANOBU: AN IVORY OKIMONO
OF KANNON WITH CHILD
By Masanobu, signed Masanobu
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

The Goddess of Mercy carved with a calm expression,
wearing an elaborately decorated long flowing robe with
a cowl, holding a bottle vase in one hand an a gnarled
leafy branch in the other, the young attendant girl at
her side wearing a neatly incised patterned robe with a
garland around her shoulders, holding up a scroll, their
hair and other details finely inked. Signed MASANOBU to
the underside.

HEIGHT 12.7 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with only few minor traces
of wear.
Provenance: British collection.
Estimate EUR 800
Starting price EUR 400

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