Page 167 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

202 | MUNENARI: A RARE IVORY
NETSUKE OF A NETSUKE CARVER
By Munenari, signed Munenari
Japan, second half of 19th century

Dynamically crafted as a sculptor of a Bijin (beautiful lady),
hammer and chisel in front of him. The sculptor has an amusing
expression suggesting his astonishment, as the Bijin has come
alive, suggestively holding the hem of her robe in front of her.
The juxtaposition of their expressions is executed very well. The
underside shows the tabako-ire of the sculptor and signature
MUNENARI ඐŪ in a rectangular reserve. The placement of the
himotoshi in the back of the Bijin between her obi, suggest that this
is a netsuke of a netsuke, and the man is in fact a netsuke carver.
HEIGHT 6.1 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with minor age-related wear.
Provenance: European collection.
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,- 204 | MASATSUGU: A RARE
IVORY NETSUKE OF SATO
TADANOBU DEFINDING
HIMSELF WITH A GOBAN

By Masatsugu, signed Masatsugu
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A fine ivory netsuke, full of movement and the
ivory bearing a very appealing color, depicting
203 | AN IVORY NETSUKE OF SAIGYO HOSHI the samurai warrior Sato Tadanobu, who lived
AND MOUNT FUJI during the late Heian period. According to legend
he saved the life of Minamoto no Yoshitsune
Unsigned and was attacked while playing a game of go
Japan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) (adapted from the Chinese game Weiqi) and the
only weapon he had to defend himself was the
go board. He fought off numerous attackers and
An early and compact ivory netsuke showing Saigyo Hoshi, a famous ultimately committed seppuku, a form of ritual
poet and monk of the late Heian period, with his characteristic hat to his suicide, before his attackers could reach him. In
side and admiring the towering mount Fuji beside him. Beautiful honey the present netsuke he is depicted holding the
patina on the back- and underside, where also the coherent himotoshi go board over his shoulder and clenching his free
are located. hand into a fist. His flowing robes are ornately
decorated with various decorative patterns and
HEIGHT 3 cm quite unusually he has the three-clawed feet of
an oni. Large and irregular himotoshi through the
Condition: Very good condition with expected back and the signature hidden between his legs
and age-related age cracks. and robes MASATSUGU Ȣơ.
Provenance: Parisian private collection,
faint collection number in red. HEIGHT 5 cm
Estimate EUR 800,- Condition: The edge of one foot has been
Starting price EUR 400,- reattached, otherwise very good condition.
Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London
Gentleman.

Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

164 165