Page 205 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

191 | GYOKKO: AN IVORY
OKIMONO OF A
FUDO MYO-O TRIAD

Signed Gyokko and Gyokushi
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

The deity carved seated on a rocky outpost
rising from a two-stepped circular throne,
flanked by Kongara and Seitaka, on a stepped
octagonal pedestal. Fudo Myo-o (“The
Immovable”, corresponding to Acala in Sanskrit)
is represented characteristically with the
Garuda flame behind him and holding a sword
and lariat in his hands, his face showing a fierce
expression with finely stained eyes and brows.
Several worshippers surround him on the oval
base, as well as an amusingly looking man
wearing glasses and the lucky god Fukurokuju.
Signed GYOKKO and GYOKUSHI (on a tanzaku
paper slip hanging from a tree) to the base.
HEIGHT 12.5 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with few minor
traces of wear. Fine honey-yellow patina. A
natural crack or plug to the base has been
incorporated into a finely incised depiction of a
plum tree.
Provenance: British collection.
Estimate EUR 800
Starting price EUR 400

192 | ICHIRYUSAI: AN IVORY
OKIMONO OF A NIO
GUARDIAN AND SCULPTOR
By Ichiryusai, Signed Ichiryusai with seal So
(Shu)
Japan, Tokyo, second half of 19th century

The guardian statue is holding a kongo (vajra)
in one hand and wearing a neatly incised
skirt under his protruding belly and a finely
carved and incised garland draped around his
shoulders. His expression is fierce, with piercing
eyes and a wide-open mouth. The sculptor is
wearing a hat in the form of a waraji (sandal),
which are commonly found in netsuke and
okimono of Nio guardians, as pilgrims would
often bring them to the statues in the hopes of
gaining some of their supernatural strength for
the long walk back. Dwarfed in size by the large
Nio guardian, he is clutching his hammer and
chisel while falling over with an expression of
shock and surprise as the guardian has come
to life! Signed in an irregular reserve ICHIRYUSAI
with seal So (Shu).
HEIGHT 11.8 cm
Condition: Old repair to one side of the kongo,
another to one of the guardian’s feet and a loss
to the broom or feather duster on the Nio’s
foot. Fine, dark patina.
Provenance: British collection.
Estimate EUR 1,200
Starting price EUR 600

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