Page 133 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

150 | A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF
A SENNIN WITH MONKEY
Unsigned
Japan, early to mid-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A slender and rather tall ivory netsuke of a Sennin holding a
monkey (saru). The monkey is small and tugging on the beard of
the Sennin, who is wearing the characteristic mugwort leafcloak,
adorned with swirling clouds. He is holding a taming stick in his left
hand. Probably he is the precursor to the peddling sarumawashi
(monkey trainer). The ivory has taken on a beautiful golden honey
patina over many years of handling. Very good himotoshi in the
back.
HEIGHT 8.3 cm
Condition: Very good condition, expected minor age cracks.
Provenance: French private collection.

Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

149 | TOMOTADA: A RARE KYOTO SCHOOL
IVORY NETSUKE OF URASHIMA TARO

Signed Tomotada
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A powerful study of a very Sennin-like Urashima Taro holding
a minogame by its long straw coat tail, next to his face, slightly
flinching as one claw of the mythical animal touches his forehead.
His finely carved robe is flowing and engraved with designs of
clouds. The backside shows Urashima wearing a long straw coat
cape like the minogame. Spots of honey patina and large himotoshi
through the back and the signature TOMOTADA Ƥฑ on the hem
of the robe.
HEIGHT 7.4 cm

Condition: Very good original condition, the ivory slightly worn.
Provenance: British collection acquired at Sotheby’s, Japanese
Works of Art, Prints and Paintings, 20 June 2002, London, lot 517.
Other than the spuriously engraved signature this appears to be
an authentic work by Tomotada, or a close-by hand. Stylistically
and quality-wise it certainly holds up to other rare figural works by
the artist. Compare for example to a figure of Chokaro Sennin by
Tomotada in F. Meinertzhagen, MCI Part B, New York, 1986, page
912.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,-

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