Page 155 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

184 | MASASADA: A POWERFUL AND RARE
WOOD NETSUKE OF RAIJIN WITH DRUM
By Masasada (Masakazu), signed Masakazu
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A powerful wood netsuke of the thunder god Raijin squatting,
wearing a large drum strapped to his back and holding a geta
in one hand. The oni is portrayed with a boldly carved muscular
body and well-defined anatomy. In contrast, his facial features are
182 | KAGETOSHI: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE humoristic, animated and imbued with originality and character –
OF BENTEN AND DRAGONS very typical for this rare artist. Raijin has inlaid eyes and horns, and
the studs on the drum are inlaid as well. Good himotoshi through
By Kagetoshi, signed Kagetoshi the deity’s back and the signature on the underside, slightly faded,
Japan, Kyoto, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) in a rectangular reserve MASAKAZU ຩᑰ, however the artist is Auction comparison: For a model of a tengu by this rare artist see
known as Masasada. Lempertz, Asiatische Kunst, 5 December 2015, Cologne, lot 761.
Literature comparison: For a similar model of a Raijin see MCI page
Carved in sukashi-bori (openwork), a technique pioneered by HEIGHT 3.8 cm 430. For a discussion on the artist see International Netsuke Society
Kagetoshi, and depicting two dragons, their flaming bodies Journal volume 30, no. 1, pages 22-26, where Jay Hopkins suggests
intertwining and merging together in a densely carved bundle. Condition: Possibly a section of the left arm is lost, however it that the artist is probably of Tanba origin.
The center, almost completely surrounded by the dragons, is appears that he is putting his arm behind his back, beneath the
carved with an image of the lucky goddess Benten playing a Koto. drum. One inlaid horn is replaced. Beautiful patina. Estimate EUR 2.000,-
One dragon is roaring and holding a tama, while the other has its Provenance: British collection. Starting price EUR 1.000,-
mouth closed – both their eyes are inlaid. Himotoshi through the
underside and signature in a rectangular reserve KAGETOSHI բϙ.
HEIGHT 3.1 cm
Condition: Good, undamaged condition.
Provenance: European collection.

The lucky goddess Benten, is relatively rare in netsuke art
compared to the other lucky gods. She is the goddess of music,
love and poetry and often depicted riding a dragon.
Estimate EUR 2.500,-
Starting price EUR 1.250,-

183 | SEIKA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A BOY
RIDING FUKUROKUJU AS A TURTLE
By Seika, signed Seika
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Carved as a karako (Chinese boy) holding a fishing rod and basket
and seated atop the lucky god Fukurokuju who has taken the form
of a turtle. The lucky deity is shown underneath with his typically
large, smooth forehead, thick earlobes, and a long flowing beard.
The depiction is surely an allusion to the story of Urashima Taro
(see catalog nos. 34, 149, 317). Also, Fuku-roku-ju stands for luck –
wealth – long life, and the turtle is a symbol for longevity, therefore
Fukurokuju is often
depicted transformed into
a turtle. Signature SEIKA
੯Ļ in red color to the
side and small himotoshi
through the underside.
LENGTH 4.8 cm

Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: British collection.
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-

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