Page 208 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

196 | AN IVORY OKIMONO
OF A COURT
DRUMMER
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

The man half-kneeling on the
oval base wearing a finely incised
patterned robe with broad sleeves
as well as a courtly hat tied under
his chin, playing the kotsuzumi, the
shoulder drum used in gagaku,
the court music of the Imperial
Household of Japan, with two mask
boxes, one wrapped in cloth, in
front of him. His expression, with
the eyes almost closed and the
mouth wide open, indicates that
he is playing the drum with great
concentration. The scene is an
allusion to the Sambaso dance, a
cultic dance performed in ancient
Japan. The base plugged on the
underside with a drum.
HEIGHT 10.5 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with
only few minor traces of wear.
Provenance: British collection.

Estimate EUR 2,000
Starting price EUR 1,000

197 | A CHARMING
WOOD AND IVORY
OKIMONO OF
THREE BLINDMEN
CROSSING A STREAM
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

The three blindmen carved from
ivory, walking through a stream
indicated by incised lines on the
original wood base, an ivory aquatic
plant rising from the base, the man
in the front walking with a cane and
carrying a large bag and parasol on
his back, the man behind him with
a parasol as well, the man in the
back with a large bag on his back, all
three holding sticks with movable
geta hanging from them, to protect
their belongings from the water, all
three with cheerful expressions.
HEIGHT 12.2 cm, LENGTH 20 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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