Page 135 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

151 | A MASSIVE IVORY NETSUKE 152 | AN AMUSING IVORY NETSUKE OF GAMA
OF GAMA SENNIN SENNIN ATTRIBUTED TO MASAKAZU
Unsigned Unsigned, attributed to Masakazu
Japan, late 19th century to Meiji period (1868-1912) Japan, Kyoto, early to mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A very large ivory netsuke with heavy okimono character Gama Sennin is shown straining under the weight of the huge toad
depicting Gama Sennin, carved with a superior sense of on his back, which is arched as he tries to hold its weight, holding
realism. He is standing barefoot in a dancing posture, on to a limb with each of his hands. Finely carved details with
with one foot raised above the other, and his toes long flowing sleeves and a very amusing facial expression of the
slightly curved inwards. He is supporting a massive toad, Sennin. The toad with an expressively carved warty skin and large
with large inlaid eyes, on his back with one hand and inlaid eyes of reddish horn. Natural himotoshi through an opening
holding a small toad in the other. His face is carved in a between one leg of the toad and the Sennin’s arm.
portrait-like manner with inlaid eyes, a sensitively crafted
nose and an opened mouth with minutely carved teeth. HEIGHT 5.8 cm
The sennin’s robe is flowing with finely carved patterns of
clouds and vines. Very good angled himotoshi through Condition: Very good condition, with very minor age cracks and a
the back, between the trailing leg of the larger toad. good patina.
Provenance: British collection.
HEIGHT 12.5 cm
Literature comparison: Compare with a signed Masakazu, in which
Condition: Very good condition with expected age cracks Gama lies on top of a huge toad, in Barker and Smith, Netsuke, the
and minor imperfections. Miniature Sculpture of Japan, British Museum, p. 27, no. 5.
Provenance: French private collection.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Gama Sennin is derived from the Chinese immortal Liu Starting price EUR 750,-
Hai who is depicted with the ‘three legged money toad’.

Estimate EUR 5.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.500,- 153 | YOSHITOMO: A TALL IVORY
NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN
By Yoshitomo, signed Yoshitomo
Japan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Gama Sennin is shown in a dancing posture with one foot raised
above the other, holding a fruiting peach branch and with a three-
legged toad, with large inlaid eyes, on his back. His Sennin cloak
is finely engraved with cloud patterns and mugwort leaves are
visible in the back. The Sennin has a good expression with a wide-
eyed smile, typical for the Yoshi school of Kyoto. Beautiful yellow
patina in the back as well as large himotoshi beside the signature
YOSHITOMO ઱Ƥ in a rectangular reserve.
HEIGHT 8.1 cm

Condition: Very good
condition, slight wear to
one foot and expected
age cracks.
Provenance:
Luxembourg private
collection.
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-

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