Page 115 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

MONKEY / SARU

The monkey (saru) is the ninth sign of the zodiac and
used to be considered to dispel ill will, ease births and
be a messenger to the gods.

127 | MASATAMI: IVORY NETSUKE OF
A MONKEY EXAMINING AN INSECT
By Masatami, signed Masatami
Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912) 129 | SHUZAN: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF
FOUR MONKEYS AND CHESTNUT

An ivory netsuke of a seated monkey holding a persimmon between By Shuzan, signed Shuzan
two paws, the leafy branch carved up the side of the monkey. On Japan, mid- 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
top of the persimmon (kaki) sits a little insect, with tiny eyes inlaid in
horn, which the monkey curiously examines through a magnifying
glass. His deeply focused anthropomorphic expression with inked An animated study of a large male monkey holding a chestnut while
and inlaid squinting eyes is quite amusing. Natural himotoshi and his offspring are climbing around at his side and over his body.
signature in a square reserve MASATAMI ȢΦ (Shomin). Two young monkeys are next to the father, one atop another and
the third one is on the other side on his back. The father seems
HEIGHT 3.2 cm exhausted, exhaling with a grotesque expression, the large eyes
with pupils inlaid in dark horn. In contrast, the young monkeys are
Condition: Good condition with thin age cracks. The magnifying enjoying themselves. Finely carved and stained details – particularly
glass is replaced. fine and precise hairwork. Signature SHUZAN ̠ͪ in a rounded
Provenance: Belgian Private Collection. reserve on the right thigh of the adult monkey. Natural himotoshi.

A classic model by the artist, though almost always missing the HEIGHT 3.4 cm, LENGTH 4 cm
magnifying glass, which in this case is thankfully added.
Condition: Excellent condition.
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Provenance: European collection.
Starting price EUR 750,-
Literature comparison: Compare to a similar monkey signed
Shuzan in H. Goodall, The Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection
of Netsuke, A Legacy at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, p.
361, no.556. Currently at the LACMA, accession no. M.91.250.291.

Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

130 | MASATOMO: AN IVORY NETSUKE
128 | MASANOBU: A CHARMING WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH HUGE CHESTNUT
OF TWO MONKEY WITH PEACHES
By Masatomo, signed Masatomo
By Masanobu, signed Masanobu Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
An ivory netsuke of a monkey climbing upon a huge chestnut,
Carved from a reddish wood and depicting an adult monkey peeling off a section of the skin. The size proportions of the netsuke
holding its young by the hand, while the completely carefree young are quite amusing, as the monkey struggles, almost falling off
is relishing a peach. Meanwhile the adult monkey is carrying a huge the unrealistically huge chestnut. The fur of the monkey is finely
peach over his back, tied to a finely carved robe, and is looking incised, and the surface treatment of the chestnut is naturalistically
grimly. The eyes are double inlaid in pale reddish and dark horn. achieved. The lightly stained ivory has developed a beautiful
Neatly incised hairwork. Himotoshi ringed in horn through the yellowish patina with honey hues. The underside with deep
monkey’s back and signature MASANOBU ȢƱ on the underside of himotoshi and the signature MASATOMO ȢƤ in a wavy reserve to
the leafy peach. the right of the monkey.
HEIGHT 3.8 cm HEIGHT 2.4 cm, LENGTH 4.7 cm
Condition: One tiny repair to the edge of the young monkey’s foot. Condition: Excellent condition with expected age cracks and wear.
Otherwise excellent condition. Good patina.
Provenance: European collection. Provenance: European collection.
Estimate EUR 800,- Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 600,-

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