Page 262 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

268 | KOKEISAI SANSHO: A RARE LIDDED AND
INLAID WOOD BOX WITH ROSHI ON OX

By Kokeisai Sansho (1871-1926), signed Kokeisai with seal sansho
Japan, Osaka, early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) to Taisho
period (1912-1926)

The rectangular wood box inlaid on the cover with two types of
wood, ivory and mother-of-pearl depicting Roshi (Laozi) seated on
an ox and reading from a large scroll. The ox has a double-inlaid
visible eye and sticks its tongue in a humorous gesture, typical
for the artist, as it struggles with the weight of Roshi. The inside
lacquered in red. Signed to the lower left KOKEISAI with red-
lacquered seal SANSHO.

Kokeisai Sansho (1871-1926) was a talented and celebrated Osaka
artist who is best known for his idiosyncratic netsuke carvings which
are highly sought-after today.
SIZE 21 x 27.4 x 3.7 cm
Condition: Good condition with surface scratches to the underside
and some wear to the inside and one restored horn to the ox.
Provenance: British private collection.

Auction comparison:
For a netsuke by the artist see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 11 May
2017, London, lot 7 (sold for 10,250 GBP).
Estimate EUR 4,000
Starting price EUR 2,000

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