Page 111 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

SHEEP / HITSUJI

The eighth sign of the Zodiac, the sheep (hitsuji) 124 | A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF
is commonly depicted in Japanese as a goat. A GOAT BY MITSUHARU
By Mitsuharu, signed Tomotada
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-
1868)

A fine netsuke imbued with a healthy portion of humor, depicting
a goat with masterfully carved shaggy fur. The goat has its head
turned backwards, the body is dynamically positioned with the feet
pushed afore, exhibiting splendid curvature and movement, so
typical for Mitsuharu. Lots 102 and 235 show the same dynamic
posture. The goat is smiling – the expression is vivid and amusing
– and it has its mouth opened showing the canines, another
idiosyncracy of Mitsuharu. The eyes are inlaid in dark buffalo horn.
Deep himotoshi through the underside and side, and signature
TOMOTADA Ƥฑ in an oval reserve on the right haunch.
HEIGHT 4.7 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor expected wear to ivory.
Possibly some minor damage to the lower row of the teeth.
Provenance: British collection.
Though signed Tomotada, this goat is certainly by Mitsuharu. For a
discussion on Mitsuharu’s goats see International Netsuke Society
Journal, Volume 39, No. 1, pages 13-14. This example is particularly
close to no. 8.

Auction comparison: For an almost identical example by Mitsuharu
see Zacke, Japanische Netsuke, Inro und andere Sagemono -
Ausstellung 1986, Vienna, no. 38.
For another goat by Mitsuharu in a different manner see Bonhams,
The James A. Rose Collection of Netsuke and Sagemono, 17
September 2013, New York, lot 2014.

Estimate EUR 5.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.500,-

123 | A FINE KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE
OF A GOAT WITH DAIKON
Unsigned
Japan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A beautifully compact composition of a goat with its head raised
and resting both its front legs on a daikon radish. The goat has
a vivid expression imbued with charm and character. The eyes
are inlaid with lustrous dark horn. The entire netsuke is carved
all around with superior detail. The shaggy fur of the goat is
masterfully worked, as are the horns and curly beard. The leaves
from the smooth daikon complement the goat’s fur very well. The
underside with crisply carved hooves and well-placed himotoshi.
Superb patina.
HEIGHT 3.7 cm, LENGTH 3.7 cm
Condition: Excellent condition. Beautiful patina.
Provenance: European private collection.

Auction comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke of a goat with
tree trunk sold by Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 2
June 2018, Vienna, lot 24.
Estimate EUR 5.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.500,-

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