Page 109 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

118 | A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A GRAZING HORSE
Unsigned 120 | A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT 121 | A VERY RARE BAMBOO NETSUKE
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) HORSE IN THE MANNER OF TAMETAKA OF TWO HORSES

Unsigned, in the manner of Tametaka Unsigned
Similar to the next no. 119, however carved from wood and thus Japan, Nagoya, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
considerably rarer. Furthermore, the netsuke is slightly larger and (1615-1868)
the horse (uma) crosses its legs behind its head, lending movement
to the composition. The wood is of a very good color and shows a Carved from bamboo and depicting two horses, arranged in a circle
fine patina. The mane and facial features are very well carved. Large The horse is lying with its head lowered and turned back to the and courting each other. The typical inclusions of the bamboo
himotoshi through the backside. right, the body forming a circle with splendid curvature, and the appear almost like inlays of mother of pearl, covering the entire
legs and swinging tail drawn in, forming a compact composition. piece. Natural himotoshi through the finely carved legs.
HEIGHT 5.5 cm The horse is resting on its front legs, has a finely carved mane,
pointed ears, and a face very much in the manner of Tametaka. HEIGHT 3.3 cm
Condition: Very good condition with fine patina. Miniscule wear. The eyes are not inlaid, and the expression is charming – the
Provenance: European collection. features minimalistic, but powerful. The underside shows Condition: Very good condition.
generous, large asymmetrical himotoshi. Fine, dark patina, Provenance: European collection.
Estimate EUR 1.200,- again suggestive of Tametaka of Nagoya.
Starting price EUR 600,- Bamboo netsuke are extremely rare, especially figural examples of
HEIGHT 2.3 cm, LENGTH 4.8 cm this quality.

Condition: Very good condition, one minor restored nick to the Literature comparison: The composition is similar to a wood
119 | AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A GRAZING HORSE edge of one knee. netsuke of two horses by Ryukei in the British museum, Registration
Provenance: European collection. no. HG.735.
Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Auction comparison: For a comparable horse by Tametaka Estimate EUR 800,-
see Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 Starting price EUR 400,-
November 2011, London, lot 148.
Of ideal netsuke shape, the backside slightly flattened, and
depicting the classic 18th century model of the grazing horse with Estimate EUR 1.200,-
its head and neck lowered. The ivory is smooth and shows a good Starting price EUR 600,-
patina, honey orange in the back. The mane is finely carved, and 122 | A SMALL IVORY SEAL NETSUKE OF A HORSE
the legs are drawn together for compactness. Large asymmetrical
himotoshi through the backside, above the horse’s swinging tail.
Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
HEIGHT 5.2 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with expected age cracks.
Minutely carved as a small functional ivory seal (ingyo) netsuke,
Provenance: European collection.
in the form of a horse with an arched back and a bushy mane,
facing downwards. The underside shows the seal with remnants
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
of red seal paste. Natural himotoshi. An early netsuke covered in a
Starting price EUR 600,-
beautiful honey patina.
HEIGHT 2.6 cm
Condition: Very good, undamaged condition with some wear to
ivory and a beautiful patina.
Provenance: French private collection, purchased from Christie’s,
Asian Decorative Arts, 12 February 2004, London, lot 24. Formerly
in the collection of the Strong Museum, Rochester NY, with old
museum number 78.9752.
Estimate EUR 600,-
Starting price EUR 300,-

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