Page 161 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke
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193 | MASAYOSHI: A WOOD OKIMONO NETSUKE 195 | A LARGE AND POWERFUL
OF A FRUSTRATED RAT CATCHER WOOD NETSUKE OF TADAMORI
WITH THE OIL THIEF
By Masayoshi, signed Masayoshi (Seikei)
Japan, Nagoya, late 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The rat catcher, equipped with a long club, is holding down a box
with one hand in an effort to catch the rat, which has escaped – the Dynamically and powerfully crafted, showing Taira no Tadamori
usual fate of this poor character. The rat catcher has a powerful grabbing the oil thief Abura Bozu from behind. Tadamori’s
expression, his facial features are distorted as he screams in expression is fierce, expecting an evil demon, while he grabs the oil
agony, almost appearing like a demon, as he turns his head to view thief by the arm, who is holding an ewer. Abura Bozo’s expression is
the nimble rat, which is innocently perched atop his shoulder. All surprised, one foot lifted – he is caught red-handed. Unbeknownst
eyes are inlaid in dark horn. A detailed and bold carving – note to Tadamori the man is nothing but a poor old soul, stealing a tiny
the emaciated body, bony limbs and smooth polish of the wood. bit of oil from the many lamps in the forest near the Yasaka no
Signature MASAYOSHI Ȣ٤ (Seikei) on the underside of the Yashior temple. This mishap is masterfully depicted in this netsuke.
loincloth. Large asymmetrical himotoshi through the back. Beautiful patina
and accentuated garment folds.
HEIGHT 4.4 cm
HEIGHT 6.8 cm, LENGTH 5 cm
Condition: Very good condition.
Provenance: British collection. Condition: Excellent condition; fine patina.
Provenance: Luxembourg private collection, formerly sold at Zacke,
The rat (nezumi) is a symbol of wealth and the companion of the Kunst der Netsuke und Inro Japans – Austellung 1991, Vienna,
lucky god Daikoku. That may explain why rat catchers had such a no.27.
bad reputation, since he is usually depicted emaciated, ugly and
demonic, as in the present carving. Masayoshi (alternatively read Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Seikei), was a pupil of Masakazu and Masasada, and was best Starting price EUR 1.000,-
known for his fine netsuke of rat catchers.
Auction comparison: For the same model in ivory see Zacke, Fine
Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 27 April 2019, Vienna, lot 149.
Literature comparison: Compare to another netsuke by Seikei of a
rat catcher in wood illustrated in the Baur collection, Marie-Therese
Coullery and Martin S. Newstead, Geneve, 1977, page 221, C 590.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-
194 | CHIKUSAI: A WOOD AND IVORY 196 | A LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF
NETSUKE OF A RAT CATCHER THE OIL THIEF ABURA BOZU
By Chikusai, signed Chikusai Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Japan, late 19th to early 20th century
A wood netsuke of a frustrated rat catcher holding down an ivory In the legend of the oil thief, one night during a severe storm the
box with which he tries to catch a rather large rat, which has emperor Shirakawa sees a demon in the forest with a spiked head
escaped over his back. He is wearing a long flowing garment and and sends Taira no Tadamori to confront this mysterious creature.
has his hair bound up into a knot. Contrary to no. 193, he is not In fact, it was simply a temple servant who had gotten into the habit
facing backwards towards the rat – probably he has not noticed of stealing from oil lamps. In this netsuke, Abura Bozu is shown
yet his failed attempt to catch the rat, though he certainly suspects standing on one geta, wearing a tattered umbrella on his head
the futility of his action. Very good himotoshi through the side and and repairing his broken geta, screaming in agony. A little oil pot is
underside and signature CHIKUSAI ໜ on the underside of the tied to his obi. When viewing this netsuke one can understand why
box. the emperor mistook the oil thief for a demon. Himotoshi in the
reverse.
HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 3.8 cm
HEIGHT 7.9 cm
Condition: One hand and foot reattached – otherwise good
condition. Condition: Very good condition.
Provenance: British collection. Provenance: European private collection acquired at Bonhams, Fine
Japanese Art, 14 May 2015, London, lot 26.
Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 500,- Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 500,-
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