Page 216 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

211 | SEIGA: A VERY FINE IVORY OKIMONO OF
NASAKEJI OPENING THE TREASURE BOX
By Okawa Isaburo (Seiga/Shizumasa), signed Seiga (Shizumasa)
Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Nasakeji is the name of a character from shita-kiri suzume (Tongue-
Cut Sparrow), the traditional Japanese fable of the kind old man
Nasakeji, his avaricious wife and an injured sparrow. This okimono
depicts him opening a treasure box containing gold ingots, oriental
daggers, scroll paintings (one having dropped to the ground and
unrolled to reveal calligraphy) and sacks presumably filled with
more treasure.
The old man’s face shows a joyful, surprised expression and
the contrast between this rather simple man and the illustrious
treasure he has found is striking and charming. Finely incised
two-character signature SEIGA within a tsuishu (carved red lacquer)
cartouche neatly inlaid to base.
HEIGHT 10.5 cm

Condition: Absolutely perfect condition. One corner of the chest
shows a deliberate indentation. Few microscopic natural age-
related hairlines here and there. Superb honey golden patina.
Provenance: British private collection.

AUCTION
COMPARISON
A similar okimono by the
same artist was sold by
Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art,
6 November 2012, London,
lot 330 (sold for 5,500 GBP).

Estimate EUR 3,000
Starting price EUR 1,500

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