Page 137 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

154 | A TALL WOOD NETSUKE 156 | A TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF
OF GAMA SENNIN A SENNIN WITH TAMA
Unsigned Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Gama Sennin is standing tall holding a cane with both hands in A large and finely carved netsuke of a standing and bare chested
front of him. A large, finely carved toad is perched on his shoulder, Sennin clenching one fist in front of his chest and holding a tama
curiously raising its head. As usual, Gama Sennin is laughing intently (magical pearl) up resting on his shoulder. He has a trifurcated
with his eyes almost closed. He is wearing a robe, leaving his right beard and a powerful expression with an opened mouth, raised
shoulder and arm bare, as well as his chest. He is shown emaciated brows and glaring eyes which look upwards to the heavenly skies.
in the truest sense of a mountain hermit. A large hyotan (double The folds of his robes are carved expressively,
gourd) is tied to his obi at the back and the good himotoshi are as are his long hair and
cleverly placed with one ‘hidden’ in his flowing sleeve fold. Beautiful mugwort leaf cloak. The
patina and grain to the wood. entire netsuke is covered
in a beautiful honey patina.
HEIGHT 9.4 cm Large himotoshi through
the back.
Condition: Very good condition.
Provenance: British private collection. HEIGHT 9.8 cm
Estimate EUR 1.200,- Condition: Very good
Starting price EUR 600,- condition with excellent
patina.
Provenance: British
collection.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,-

155 | A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF 157 | A TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A SENNIN
A SENNIN WITH PHEASANT
Unsigned
Unsigned Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Japan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A fine ivory netsuke of a standing Sennin holding a large gourd
Depicting a standing Sennin wearing a mugwort leaf cloak, with over his back, tied together and held in place with his left hand. In
finely carved and dense leaves. The Sennin has his back arched, the other hand he holds a basket (presumably) filled with peaches.
probably due to the natural dictation of the material used, and his Both are symbols for immortality and could identify this Sennin
head is turned to the left, as he is laughing heartily. He is holding as either Tobosaku or Chokaro. The Sennin has long hair and a
a pheasant in his left hand and is visibly delighted by this unlikely trifurcated beard. The angular himotoshi are found in the back
companionship. Angular himotoshi through the back. where the typical mugwort leaves of the Sennin’s cloak are visible
just beneath his obi. The mountain hermit looks up to his right
HEIGHT 7.3 cm towards the heavenly sky, screaming with a beautifully crafted
enigmatic expression.
Condition: Worn condition with some discoloration. Possibly an old
tiny chip to the edge of the bird’s tail feathers. Generally, in good HEIGHT 8 cm
condition commensurate with age and handling.
Provenance: British collection. Condition: Very good condition. Amazingly the feet are completely
undamaged. Good, yellowish patina and very few natural age
This depiction of a Sennin with pheasant appears to be very rare, cracks. The once inked pupils have been slightly worn.
possibly even unique. Provenance: Hungarian collection.
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,- Starting price EUR 750,-

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