Page 158 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

FOLKLORE & SCENES FROM DAILY LIFE

185 | AN AMUSING IVORY NETSUKE
OF AN ONI IN SHOKI’S BAG
Unsigned 187 | A RARE AND UNUSUAL IVORY
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) MITATE NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND ONI

Unsigned
An amusing ivory netsuke of an oni, half of his body uncovered in Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
the tattered bag of the demon queller Shoki. The oni is content
with his escape, smiling, his visible eye is inlaid in dark horn. One
of the horns is protruding through the bag – a charming detail! The An amusing parody of the classic sleeping sarumawashi model (see
underside with a pleasing yellowish patina and large asymmetrical the next no. 188), though this time it is an oni stealing food from
himotoshi. the sleeping demon queller. Shoki is shown fast asleep, though still
as grim as ever, leaning on one hand and holding his sword in the
LENGTH 4.2 cm other. The mischievous oni is stealing from a basket of food behind
him. Good and large himotoshi on the underside.
Condition: Good condition with minor expected age cracks,
especially to the underside. The horns may have been replaced or LENGTH 5.3 cm
are simply inlaid.
Provenance: Hungarian collection. Condition: Good, complete condition with expected wear and age
cracks. Very good patina.
Estimate EUR 800,- Provenance: Dr Jay Hopkins, then Jacques Carré, then European
Starting price EUR 400,- private collection.

Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

186 | SHUSHO: A WOOD NETSUKE
OF ONI NEMBUTSU
188 | AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING
Signed Shusho (Funemasu) SARUMAWASHI AND MONKEY
Japan, mid to late 19th century
Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Carved as a repentant oni wearing a parasol attached to his
back and carrying a notebook, inscribed Hogacho – a Buddhist
subscription list. The netsuke is finely carved, the wood is The Sarumawashi (monkey trainer) was a street artist who
accentuated and the oni has an amusing expression with minutely performed tricks with his monkey. In this netsuke the monkey
inlaid eyes – one can see how desperately he is trying to hide trainer is depicted sleeping, his head resting on his elbow, with a
his true nature. Small himotoshi through the back, between the serene facial expression, while the normally obedient monkey is
parasol. Signature SHUSHO ༔΋ (Funemasu) on the underside of grabbing the basket of the food from behind his back. The ivory
the robe. bearing a good patina and large himotoshi on the underside.
HEIGHT 6.2 cm LENGTH 4.7 cm

Condition: The mallet which the oni held in his right hand is lost. Condition: Fine condition with expected age cracks and a good
The parasol handle is chipped. Otherwise good condition. patina.
Provenance: British private collection. Provenance: Ex Herbert Mew Collection, Dorset UK (1881-1946).
Estimate EUR 800,- Estimate EUR 800,-
Starting price EUR 400,- Starting price EUR 400,-

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