Page 143 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

GODS & RELIGION

165 | TOMOKAZU: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE
OF EGUCHI NO KIMI ON ELEPHANT

By Tomokazu, signed Tomokazu
Japan, Kyoto, mid to late 19th century

According to legend, Kimi was a courtesan in the village of Eguchi
and was so devoted to Buddhist scripture that she became the
incarnation of Fugen Bosatsu (Boddhisattva Samantabhadra). In
the present netsuke she is shown holding a long Buddhist sutra in
both hands and is seated on top of an elephant, which is the mount
of Fugen Bosatsu and here visibly delighted by Kimi’s presence,
smiling benevolently. Her facial features are masterfully carved,
with pronounced feminine features showing her beauty, while
at the same time radiating tranquility and Buddhist compassion.
164 | A POWERFUL AND LARGE EBONY WOOD The netsuke is lightly stained and finished remarkably well with
NETSUKE OF OGURI HANGAN AND ONIKAGE stunning details, such as finely engraved patterns or her long falling
hair in the back. Himotoshi and signature TOMOKAZU ƤĂ on the
Unsigned underside.
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
HEIGHT 4.3 cm
Masterfully sculpted with strong Buddhistic features and depicting Condition: Very good condition.
Oguri Hangan balancing his horse Onikage (devil’s shadow) on Provenance: Dutch private collection formerly acquired at
a goban. Oguri is pulling on the horse’s reigns, forcing it to a Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 6 November 2014, London, lot 42.
complete stop. The horse’s head is lowered obediently, and Oguri
smiles confidently. The ebony wood is smoothly polished, and the Estimate EUR 2.000,-
details are boldly carved. The manner of the carving is unusual as it Starting price EUR 1.000,-
displays features one would normally expect from religious carvings
– resonating with tranquility. The legends surrounding Oguri
Hangan are prominently featured in Sekkyo (Buddhistic artistic
sermons), which could explain why the artist has chosen to portray
Oguri Hangan in this manner. The himotoshi are well-hidden, one
going through the underside and the other next to Oguri’s sword.
The Goban (go board, derived from the Chinese Weiqi board)
stands on four feet.
HEIGHT 7.6 cm
166 | A RARE DARK WOOD NETSUKE
Condition: Excellent condition. The himotoshi exhibit some wear
showing that this netsuke was probably worn. OF EGUCHI NO KIMI
Provenance: German private collection, old collection no. 697.
Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Oguri Hangan Daisukeshige (ca. 1398-1464), son of a provincial
lord, was dispossessed of his estates by the Akishige clan. He led an
adventurous life and was celebrated for his superior horsemanship,
so much that people claimed he could balance his legendary horse Carved from a dark reddish wood and depicting the courtesan Kimi
Onikage with all four feet on a goban. atop her elephant. The visible tusk of the elephant is inlaid in ivory.
Large himotoshi through the under- and backside.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,- HEIGHT 4.7 cm
Condition: Good condition, some age cracks.
Provenance: European collection.
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-

140 141
140