Page 223 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

223 | GYOKUMIN: A SUPERB NAGOYA
SCHOOL OKIMONO OF TWO RATS
By Gyokumin, signed Gyokumin
Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A large and naturalistically carved boxwood okimono depicting two
fighting rats, the carving executed in the typical Nagoya school style.
The dominant rat pins the other down in a dynamic struggle, their
tails are curling around. The wood is stained appealingly dark-
brown and the hairwork is masterfully incised. The large eyes of the
rodents are inlaid in dark buffalo horn. Signed underneath within a
rounded reserve GYOKUMIN – the artist is known to have worked in
Nagoya and was active in the 19th century.

HEIGHT 7.5 cm, LENGTH 7.5 cm
Condition: Very good condition, minor surface scratches.
Provenance: US private collection.
Estimate EUR 4,000
Starting price EUR 2,000

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