Page 129 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

BOAR / INOSHISHI

The boar (inoshishi) is the twelfth sign of the zodiac, is
considered the bravest of the animals and also symbolizes
daredevilry. It is also called yamakujira, or “mountain whale”.

146 | NANBOKU: AN EXCELLENT AND RARE
WOOD NETSUKE OF A BOAR
By Nanboku, signed Nanboku
Japan, Tanba, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The boar is seated with one hoof slightly raised and with its head
and snout lifted upwards, about to emit a bellowing roar. Its eyes
are double inlaid in dark and semi-translucent pale horn in typical
Tanba style, giving the boar a wild and enigmatic expression. The
hairwork is executed masterfully and the wood is typically darkened
and accentuated for effect. Turning the netsuke reveals the legs
and hooves, which have a delightful dark patina, and are as the rest
of the piece carved crisply. Excellent asymmetrical himotoshi and
signature NANBOKU ϒ҂ in a rounded reserve.

HEIGHT 3.8 cm, LENGTH 4.5 cm
Condition: The left front leg with a well-done professional
restoration. Otherwise excellent condition with a beautiful patina.
Provenance: Formerly Katherine Matthies collection, sold at
Sotheby’s New York, 25th May 1989, lot 53. Then European private
collection. Auction comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke by Toyomasa
sold by Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine
Nanboku was a talented carver from the Tanba school, arguably Netsuke, 10 May 2017, lot 135.
even surpassing his master Naito Toyomasa in quality of execution.
This is evident when comparing the netsuke of a boar by Toyomasa Estimate EUR 10.000,-
in the Katchen collection (see literature comparison). Starting price EUR 5.000,-

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