Page 231 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

236 | A CHARMING IVORY
AND WOOD OKIMONO
OF AN OWL
Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)

The young bird facing ahead in an alert position,
its wings raised as if about to take flight, with a
finely carved and neatly incised plumage as well
as large bulbous triple-inlaid eyes with two kinds
of mother-of-pearl and dark horn pupils, perched
on a naturalistically carved root wood base in
the form of an ancient withered tree trunk. Two-
character signature in red underneath the owl.

HEIGHT 14.6 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with only few
minor traces of wear.
Provenance: British collection.

AUCTION
COMPARISON
Compare with a
related okimono, sold
by Bonhams, Fine
Japanese Art, 12 May
2016, London, lot 630
(sold for 4,375 GBP).

Estimate EUR 1,200
Starting price EUR 600

237 | RYUSAI: AN IVORY OKIMONO OF AN OWL
CATCHING A FROG

By Ryusai, signed Ryusai
Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Naturalistically modelled with great attention to detail, the owl perched
on a tree stump, one foot raised and clutching a frog in its talons, the
eyes double-inlaid in mother-of-pearl with dark horn pupils, the frog’s
eyes inlaid with black horn. Note the light staining of the ivory, creating
a beautiful naturalistic effect. Signed on the base with carved characters
Ryusai.
HEIGHT 11 cm
Condition: Good condition with minor traces of wear, a small loss to the
plumage, natural age cracks, and a plugged nerve channel on the back
of the owl’s head.
Provenance: Bonham’s London (New Bond Street), Fine Japanese
Art, 10 November 2016, lot 435. British collection, purchased from the
above.

AUCTION
COMPARISON
Compare with a closely
related okimono by the same
artist sold by Bonhams, Fine
Japanese Art, 17 May 2012, lot
196 (sold for 4,750 GBP).

Estimate EUR 3,000
Starting price EUR 1,500

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