Page 118 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

131 | MASATSUGU: A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE
OF A MONKEY PLAYING THE PIFFERO
Workshop of Kaigyokusai Masatsugu (1813-1892), signed
Masatsugu
Japan, Osaka, second half of 19th century

Monkeys from the workshop of the great Osaka carver Kaigyokusai
Masatsugu are unmistakable. As in the present example, they
have vivid expressions enhanced by inlaid eyes of amber with dark
pupils, fine hairwork and superbly carved limbs with bony knuckles.
Fine examples exist signed Masatsugu or Kaigyoku, though this
incredibly rare ivory netsuke is the only example known of a
monkey playing the piffero. The visibly delighted anthropomorphic
monkey is shown blowing into the instrument tightly gripped with
the bony knuckles of its four limbs. Signed MASATSUGU Ȣơ in a
polished rounded reserve. Natural himotoshi.
HEIGHT 2.8 cm, LENGTH 4.3 cm

Condition: Very good condition, the hairwork is slightly worn.
Provenance: Acquired by Vito Taverna from Eskenazi Ltd on 19
July 1979 for 600.000 Italian Lira. Copy of the inventory sheet is
available.
Auction comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke of a monkey
by the same workshop sold at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette
Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London,
lot 112.
Estimate EUR 4.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.000,-

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