Page 172 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

208 | AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A FISHER GIRL
AND OCTOPUS ON A GIANT AWABI
Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

This netsuke depicts an ama, a diving and fisher girl, lying over
a giant awabi, or ear shell. She is wearing only a loincloth; her
pulsating body is finely carved, with lively yet subtle facial features.
The tentacle of a tako, trapped in the shell, are wriggling around
one of her ankles and one of her feet. When following the tentacle
to the other side, one can see the large octopus which holds one
tentacle, which forms the himotoshi, to its head with a somewhat
shameful expression. The word “Tako” sounds like “Great Fortune”,
which is apparently on the ama’s side.
WIDTH 5.5 cm
Condition: Very good condition; perhaps one little nick or
imperfection to the right index finger of the ama. Very appealing
honey patina on the underside.
Provenance: French private collection.
Literature comparison: For a very similar netsuke by Nobusada and
likely by the same circle of hands see `Japanische Meisterwerke der
Netsuke Kunst, Wolfmar Zacken’, 1993, Vienna, no. 28.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,-

207 | A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE
OF A STANDING AMA WITH AWABI

Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Powerfully sculpted as an ama (diving girl) holding a large awabi
in one hand and a strand of her finely engraved, inked skirt in the
other. The skirt very much resembles her hair, which is parted and
falls gently down her back; covering her breasts in the front. Her
head is turned to the left and she has a powerful expression, as if
she was surprised. Very good and generous himotoshi through the
back.
HEIGHT 8 cm
Condition: Very good condition, fine yellow patina to the back and
expected minor age cracks.
Provenance: European collection, previously offered at Van Ham, 8
December 2016, lot 2380 (Estimate 7.500-8.000 EUR).
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,-

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