Page 159 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

191 | AN IVORY NETSUKE
189 | A GOOD TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A
STANDING SARUMAWASHI WITH MONKEY
Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Published: Barry Davies Oriental Art, Netsuke and Inro from
European Collections (London, 2002), no. 100
Galerie Gemini & Ichimonji Art (Munich, 2004), no. 199
An ivory netsuke of a sarumawashi (monkey trainer) standing and
laughing with large glaring eyes inlaid in black lustrous horn. He is
wearing a cap with an incised peach branch, has a food basket tied
to his obi in front of him and is holding a taming stick in one hand
and the monkey’s paw in the other. The monkey is seated on his
shoulder, mischievously holding his mouth as if he was about to
laugh. The backside with a very good patina and angular himotoshi.
HEIGHT 8.8 cm
Condition: Good, worn condition with expected age cracks and
good patina. A section of the taming stick with an old and worn-
down loss.
Provenance: Barry Davies, then Galerie Gemini & Ichimonji art, then
Luxembourg private collection.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-
190 | AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A TEMPLE
SERVANT (EJI)
Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The temple servant is shown fondling a large umbrella with an
amusing expression, almost like that of Usofuki. He is wearing
a large flowing robe and an eboshi. Excellent honey patina
throughout and himotoshi in the reverse.
HEIGHT 7.4 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, excellent patina
and expected age cracks.
Provenance: Formerly Helen and Jack Mang collection, then
Luxembourg private collection acquired at Quinn’s auction galleries,
7 December 2012, lot 553.
Auction comparison: Compare to a similar wood netsuke sold at
Lempertz, Asiatische Kunst, 07 June 2019, Cologne, lot 421.
Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 500,-
156
OF A PERSIMMON MERCHANT
Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A quirky netsuke, carved from a triangular section of ivory, depicting
a merchant holding a bag draped over his shoulder and a branch
of persimmons in front of his body in one hand, the other being
hidden in his elaborately flowing robe. The composition is full of
movement, one foot is raised, the body is slightly twisted, and the
man has an amusingly delighted expression. Good patina and
himotoshi, one hidden inside a raised fold of the robe.
HEIGHT 5.7 cm
Condition: Good condition with expected age cracks and fine
patina.
Provenance: Luxembourg private collection.
Literature comparison: Compare to no. 245 in Karl M. Schwarz,
Netsuke Subjects, which is described as a physician.
Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 500,-
192 | RYOSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE
OF A BLIND MONK
By Ryosai, signed Ryosai
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
An ivory netsuke of a standing blind man, wearing a pair of geta
and a monk’s robe, and leaning on a large cane. His blind eye is
visible and the other one is closed, and he has a large lump on
his forehead. Sensitively crafted facial features. Good himotoshi
through the back and signature RYOSAI ݘ᤮ (the first character in
sosho) in an opening of the robe by the side.
HEIGHT 6.8 cm
Condition: Good worn condition. Expected age cracks and minor
imperfections such as plugged nerve channels. Appealing patina.
Provenance: Luxembourg private collection.
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-
157