Page 235 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

242 | YAMAJI NAOHARU: A FINE IVORY
OKIMONO OF A SEA EAGLE

By Yamaji Naoharu, signed Yamaji Naoharu
Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century

The sea eagle perched on a craggy rock surrounded by crashing
waves forming the base, its wings drawn in and head tilted slightly
sideways, with a large prominent beak and double-inlaid eyes with
mother-of-pearl and almost black horn. Note the fine carving and
incision work to the plumage as well as the highly accomplished
naturalism of this okimono. Signed Yamaji Naoharu to the base.
HEIGHT 11.8 cm

Condition: One larger but natural age crack to base, otherwise in
excellent condition with only few minor traces of wear.
Provenance: British collection.
Literature comparison:
Compare with a mask netsuke by the same artist (note the inlaid
eyes) in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art,
accession number 34.13.331.

Estimate EUR 2,500
Starting price EUR 1,250

243 | TOMOYUKI: A MOTHER OF PEARL-INLAID
IVORY OKIMONO OF A PHEASANT
By Tomoyuki, signed Tomoyuki
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

The pheasant standing on bronze legs, its head turned backwards, the
eyes double-inlaid with mother-of-pearl and black horn, the head, neck,
long tail and wing tips carved from ivory and most of the plumage inlaid
with finely incised mother-of-pearl. Signed TOMOYUKI within an oval
rectangular mother-of-pearl tablet on the underside.
HEIGHT 11 cm, LENGTH 21.5 cm

Condition: Excellent condition with only few minor traces of wear and
absolutely no losses to the inlays, which is very rare to find in such a
piece!
Provenance: British collection.
Estimate EUR 1,500
Starting price EUR 750

229