Page 122 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

ROOSTER / TORI

The cockerel or rooster (tori) is the tenth animal in
the zodiac and a symbol of potency and power.
139 | ISSAI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COCKEREL

By Issai, signed Issai
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Finely carved as a long-tailed cockerel (nagatori) perched on a
branch. The cockerel has its head turned backwards, the visible
eye beautifully inlaid in pale horn, and the long flaring tail feathers
exhibiting beautiful curvature touch the branch on which the
bird sits on. The plumage and feathers are beautifully carved and
accentuated. The work immediately reminds one of Toyomasa and
the Tanba school, and in fact similar examples exist (see auction
comparison). Another stylistically close carver is Hokyudo Itsumin.
Natural himotoshi and signature ISSAI Ă᤮ in a raised and rounded
reserve, the character Sai abbreviated.

137 | A FINE NETSUKE OF A COCKEREL ON A DRUM HEIGHT 3.3 cm
Unsigned Condition: Excellent condition.
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Provenance: French private collection.
Auction comparison: Compare to a similar cockerel signed
In this netsuke the bird with masterfully carved and dense plumage, Toyomasa sold at Christie’s, Art of Japan, 5 December 2017,
is standing proudly on the drum. Its head is turned, and the London, lot 3.
beautifully carved long tail feathers form an elegant curve. The
drum is smooth on the top and bottom, with a wood grain pattern Estimate EUR 1.800,-
engraved on the sides, as well as inlaid dark-red horn buttons Starting price EUR 900,-
arranged in two rows. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi through the
underside.

HEIGHT 5 cm
Condition: Very good, slightly worn condition with a beautiful patina.
Provenance: French private collection.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

138 | MUNEMITSU: AN IVORY NETSUKE
OF A COCKEREL

By Munemitsu, signed Munemitsu
Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Finely carved and stained as a long-tailed cockerel, also known
as a nagatori. The long feathery tail, almost like that of a phoenix,
curls around, over the back and underneath, forming the base on
which the cockerel sits on. The expression is powerful with inlaid
eyes of red horn. The crisply carved, clenched and clawed foot is
visible to its side. Himotoshi and signature MUNEMITSU ʾඐ on the
underside.
HEIGHT 3.4 cm, LENGTH 4.1 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor imperfections to the
material behind the cockerel’s head.
Provenance: French private collection.
Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 500,-

118 119