Page 207 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

194 | MINJO: AN IVORY OKIMONO
OF EBISU AND ONI

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

Finely carved and with well-executed Shibayama-style inlays, the lucky
god standing over a dismayed oni with eyes inlaid in mother-of-pearl
trying to flee but stuck between his legs, wearing a long robe with a
mon inlaid in tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, and green-stained ivory,
as well as finely incised patterns, holding a double-gourd in one hand
and a sake cup with two inlaid drops of sake in mother-of-pearl in the
other, a tobacco pouch, kizeruzutsu, and coral-inlaid netsuke on the
ground in front of him. Signed MINJO within a red-lacquered circular
reserve on the underside of the pouch, next to an inscription reading
Hino yojin (“watch out for fire”).
HEIGHT 10.8 cm
Condition: Small old repair to one of Ebisu’s toes, otherwise in very
good condition with only few minor traces of wear.
Provenance: British collection.

AUCTION COMPARISON
Compare with an okimono by the
same artist, sold by Lempertz,
The Kolodotschko Collection of
Netsuke I, 14 June 2014, Cologne,
lot 293 (sold for 2,684 EUR).

Estimate EUR 3,000
Starting price EUR 1,500

195 | JISEI: AN IVORY OKIMONO
OF AN ONI STARTLED BY A SNAKE
EMERGING FROM A MOKUGYO

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

A lively okimono depicting an oni who, after having beaten a
Buddhist drum (mokugyo), jumps up in fright as a snake slithers
out of the mokugyo. The oni is standing on the drum, still holding
the mallet in one hand, with an expression of panic on his demonic
face. A scroll with illegible inscription is on the drum as well. Note
the fine staining and great attention to detail. Signed JISEI within a
square reserve to the underside.
HEIGHT 11 cm
Condition: Excellent
condition with only few
minor traces of wear.
Provenance: British
collection.
Estimate EUR 1,500
Starting price EUR 750

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