Page 149 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

175 | MUNEYUKI: AN
AMUSING IVORY
NETSUKE OF A
PUMPKIN DARUMA

By Muneyuki, signed Muneyuki
Japan, second half of 19th century

The Zen-patriarch Daruma has turned
into a pumpkin after his nine-year
meditation. He awakens, yawning and
stretching, bursting the pumpkin. The
torn-off base acts as the base for the
netsuke and his stretched hands hold a
pumpkin seed. Daruma’s expression is
crafted amusingly. Himotoshi through
the back and signature MUNEYUKI ඐƥ
on the underside of the base.

HEIGHT 6.9 cm
Condition: Worn condition. Both legs are
reattached, and a small section of the
elbow is restored. Minor age cracks and
general wear.
Provenance: Parisian private collection.
Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 500,-

174 | MASAKAZU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE
OF A YAWNING OKAME
By Masakazu, signed Masakazu
Japan, Gifu, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
176 | HOGEN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE
An amusing depiction of the Shinto goddess Okame, also known as OF A YAWNING OKAME
Otafuku, known for performing the first nude dance in Japan. This
work shows her half-nude, with large breasts, a large belly and a Signed Hogen
cavernous yawn. Both arms are raised up, again in the manner of Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
the Zen patriarch Daruma, who is often depicted yawning during or
after his nine-year meditation. Okame depicted in this way is also
often called Onna Daruma (“Woman Daruma”). Large, generous Exquisitely carved as Okame, also known as Otafuku, kneeling
himotoshi through the back and the left buttock. Signed MASAKAZU bare-chested with her supple, delicately carved breasts shown.
ȢĂ on one foot. Beautiful dark patina. She is yawning and stretching her arms up high – in the manner of
Daruma during his nine-year meditation – therefore this depiction
HEIGHT 6.1 cm is also referred to as Onna Daruma (“Woman Daruma”), which is
also slang for a courtesan. Her features are delicate and sensitive.
Condition: Small, old chip to the edge of the right foot. A tiny Himotoshi through the back and signature HOGEN ʑᵄ, which is
minuscule chip to the edge of the larger himotoshi. Otherwise, an honorary title.
excellent condition.
Provenance: Hans Spoerry collection, mentioned in the collector’s HEIGHT 4.6 cm
personal inventory under the number 5032.
Condition: Excellent patina. Minor surface wear, notably on the right
Auction comparison: For a very similar netsuke see Bonhams, foot. Very good condition.
Netsuke from a European Collection, 8 May 2016, London, lot 130. Provenance: British private collection.
Estimate EUR 1.200,- Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 500,-

146 147