Page 139 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke
P. 139

159 |  AN INLAID EBONY WOOD NETSUKE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  OF A CHINESE SAGE ATTRIBUTED
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  TO HASEGAWA IKKO

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Unsigned, attributed to Hasegawa Ikko
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Depicting a bearded Chinese sage, his mugwort-leaf cloak carved
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            from ebony and his face, hands and feet inlaid in ivory. The sage is
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            looking downwards laughing, his expression is sensitively carved.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The cloak has a smooth rustic feel to it, the sleeves are long and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            drape towards the ground. The backside shows the wonderful
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            himotoshi, one significantly larger and worn. Unsigned, however
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            attributed to Hasegawa Ikko, one of the most influential netsukeshi
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            of the 19th century.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            HEIGHT 7.6 cm
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Condition: Excellent condition, the larger himotoshi shows some
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            wear indicating this netsuke was worn.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Provenance: European collection.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Auction comparison: For a similar netsuke by Hasegawa Ikko see
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 13 September 2011, New
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            York, lot 2021.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Estimate EUR 2.000,-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Starting price EUR 1.000,-




























                                                               158 |  YOSHINAGA: AN UNUSUAL TALL IVORY
                                                                     NETSUKE OF A CHINESE LITERATI WITH BOY
                                                               By Miura Yoshinaga, signed Yoshinaga         HEIGHT 8.7 cm
                                                               Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
                                                                                                            Condition: Very good condition with expected age cracks.
                                                                                                            Provenance: Belgian private collection.
                                                               Depicting a Chinese literati with a Sennin-like appearance, his robe
                                                               incised with a cloud design, comforting a frightened boy who clings   Literature comparison: For a dark stained Sennin with karako by the
                                                               to him. The appearance of the boy is very unusual, and he looks   same artist, see the Sotheby’s Chicago catalogue of the Alan Liss
                                                               almost like an oni – he has huge inlaid eyes of dark horn and pulls   collection, lot 231.
                                                               a peculiar face, firmly grabbing hold of his elder, whilst the latter
                                                               reassuringly pats him on the head. Large himotoshi through the   Estimate EUR 3.000,-
                                                               back and signature YOSHINAGA ઱к.             Starting price EUR 1.500,-



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