Page 200 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

185 | MEIGYOKU:
AN IVORY
OKIMONO
OF A
SARUMAWASHI
AND BIJIN

By Meigyoku, signed
Meigyoku
Japan, Meiji period
(1868-1912)

The sarumawashi holding
his taming stick in one hand
and a bag draped around
his shoulders in the other,
a monkey having climbed
on top of the bag. They are
surrounded by two beautiful
young ladies (bijin), one
holding a fan and the other
a ball, as well as a young boy
making the akanbe gesture
and a small puppy. Note
the fine incision work to
the garment patterns, furs,
and hair. Signed MEIGYOKU
within an oval reserve on
the underside of one of
the sarumawashi’s waraji
(sandal).
HEIGHT 13 cm
Condition: Excellent
condition with only few
minor traces of wear.
Provenance: British
collection. Old collector
number to the underside.
Estimate EUR 2,000
Starting price EUR 1,000

186 | REN: AN IMPRESSIVE ASAKUSA SCHOOL
OKIMONO GROUP OF FIGHTING SHISHI
School of Ishikawa Rensai, signed Ren
Japan, Tokyo, end of 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)

A masterful okimono from the school of Ishikawa Rensai, finely carved
and stained with five lion dogs on a naturalistically carved base, four of
them clambering on top of each other in groups of two with the largest
shishi behind them looking on, the flaming manes and tails as well as fur
patterns neatly incised. The flat underside with a plugged signature REN.
HEIGHT 4.5 cm

Condition: Excellent condition
with only few minor traces
of wear.
Provenance: British
collection.
Literature comparison:
For a discussion of Rensai
and the Asakusa school, see
Kokusai the Genius: and
Stag-antler Carving in Japan,
Sydney L. Moss, Ltd., 2016.
Estimate EUR 1,500
Starting price EUR 750

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