Page 102 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

110 | AN EARLY POWERFUL IVORY
MANJU NETSUKE WITH DRAGON

Unsigned
Japan, early to mid-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

An ivory manju netsuke covered in a beautiful deep honey patina
and depicting a very Chinese dragon amidst stylized clouds. The
sinuous body of the dragon curls around, forming the rim of the
manju and terminating in a bifurcated tail on the reverse. Large,
asymmetrical and generous himotoshi through the backside.

DIAMETER 4.4 cm
Condition: Very good age-related condition with stunning patina
and few natural age cracks.
Provenance: Hungarian collection.

Like no. 101, this netsuke belongs to the group of rare and early
manju netsuke, largely inspired by Chinese motifs.
Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 500,-

111 | MINSEI: A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE
OF A CONFRONTING DRAGON AND TIGER

%\ 0LQVHL VLJQHG 0LQVHL 112 | A SPECTACULAR WALNUT NETSUKE
Japan, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) OF A DRAGON AND TIGER
Unsigned
Carved from a triangular piece of ivory and depicting a tiger (tora) Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
and dragon (tatsu) fiercely confronting each other. The scaly
body of the dragon, with emanating flames on the sides, curls
over the tiger’s body. The composition is set on a base, with one What a feat to carve a whole walnut (kurumi) in this way! Carved
half resembling the ground with carved rockwork, and the other all around in relief with an image of a dragon and tiger. One
resembling the sky with a swirling cloud pattern. The underside with side shows the dragon (tatsu) amidst swirling reishi clouds. The
small himotoshi and signature MINSEI ΦȢ %HDXWLIXO JORVV\ KRQH\ other side shows the tiger beneath a bamboo tree (take no tora),
patina. the branches and bamboo leaves are minutely carved with an
astonishing amount of detail – almost coming to life right before
HEIGHT 2.8 cm, LENGTH 4.5 cm our eyes. The tiger is shown with good curvature, looking towards
the other side, ready to confront the dragon. Next to the tiger is
Condition: One old and smoothed out, miniscule loss to the edge of a rock, with further finely carved leaves emerging from the side.
the right front paw of the tiger. Otherwise excellent condition with a Ringed himotoshi on the underside.
very appealing patina.
Provenance: Hungarian collection. HEIGHT 4 cm
%RWK WKH WLJHU DQG GUDJRQ KDYH LPSRUWDQW PHDQLQJV LQ %XGGKLVW Condition: There is some damage around the himotoshi and
and Taoist philosophy, together representing the yin and yang, the smaller natural nicks and scratches throughout. There are two
earth and sky or the male and female. Furthermore, they represent larger holes, which appear like insect bites on the side of a dragon
strength, resilience and courage. The tiger and dragon motif has with another on the side of the tiger. The damages are nothing out
been used frequently in ancient China, decorating amongst others of the ordinary for kurumi netsuke.
ornate jades of the Han-dynasty. Provenance: Czech private collection.
Estimate EUR 1.200,- Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 600,-

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