Page 196 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

177 | TOSHITSUNE:
AN IVORY OKIMONO OF
A SAMBASO DANCER
By Toshitsune, signed Toshitsune
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

The sambaso dancer stands on an oval
base with three raised feet, decorated on
the underside with two leaves and signed
within an inlaid tsuishu lacquer cartouche
TOSHITSUNE. He wears his characteristic
hat carved from wood inlaid in mother-
of-pearl. His robe is decorated with fine
pine twig patterns and he holds a bell
tree with cords attached in one hand.
Below his raised foot is a mask box which
is tied shut. The nerve channels visible
on the underside are worked into the
composition, surrounded by further finely
incised pine twigs.

His head and tongue are intentionally
movable, further enhancing the already
dynamic composition.
HEIGHT 9.5 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with minimal
wear.
Provenance: Belgian private collection.
Estimate EUR 1,000
Starting price EUR 500

178 | A SMALL IVORY MASK
NETSUKE OF HANNYA
Japan, c. 1880, Meiji period (1868-1912)

The demon-woman finely carved with
a ferocious expression, the wide-open
mouth showing fang-like teeth, the eyes
with upturned brow ridges, and prominent
horns facing forward.
HEIGHT 3.4 cm

Condition: Excellent condition with minor
surface wear and a beautiful honey-gold
patina.
Provenance: British collection.
Estimate EUR 600
Starting price EUR 300

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