Page 160 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

191 | AN IVORY NETSUKE
OF A PERSIMMON MERCHANT

189 | A GOOD TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A Unsigned
STANDING SARUMAWASHI WITH MONKEY Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Unsigned
Japan, 18th 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
Published: Barry Davies Oriental Art, Netsuke and Inro from of persimmons in front of his body in one hand, the other being
European Collections (London, 2002), no. 100 hidden in his elaborately flowing robe. The composition is full of
Galerie Gemini & Ichimonji Art (Munich, 2004), no. 199 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.
An ivory netsuke of a sarumawashi (monkey trainer) standing and
laughing with large glaring eyes inlaid in black lustrous horn. He is HEIGHT 5.7 cm
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 Condition: Good condition with expected age cracks and fine
and the monkey’s paw in the other. The monkey is seated on his patina.
shoulder, mischievously holding his mouth as if he was about to Provenance: Luxembourg private collection.
laugh. The backside with a very good patina and angular himotoshi.
Literature comparison: Compare to no. 245 in Karl M. Schwarz,
HEIGHT 8.8 cm Netsuke Subjects, which is described as a physician.
Condition: Good, worn condition with expected age cracks and Estimate EUR 1.000,-
good patina. A section of the taming stick with an old and worn- Starting price EUR 500,-
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 192 | RYOSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) OF A BLIND MONK
By Ryosai, signed Ryosai
The temple servant is shown fondling a large umbrella with an Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
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. 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
HEIGHT 7.4 cm visible and the other one is closed, and he has a large lump on
his forehead. Sensitively crafted facial features. Good himotoshi
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, excellent patina through the back and signature RYOSAI ݘ᤮ (the first character in
and expected age cracks. sosho) in an opening of the robe by the side.
Provenance: Formerly Helen and Jack Mang collection, then
Luxembourg private collection acquired at Quinn’s auction galleries, HEIGHT 6.8 cm
7 December 2012, lot 553.
Condition: Good worn condition. Expected age cracks and minor
Auction comparison: Compare to a similar wood netsuke sold at imperfections such as plugged nerve channels. Appealing patina.
Lempertz, Asiatische Kunst, 07 June 2019, Cologne, lot 421. Provenance: Luxembourg private collection.
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 600,-

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