Page 176 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

213 | A LARGE WOOD
NETSUKE OF A TOAD
Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)

A large wood netsuke of a smiling toad
(gama) with large inlaid pupils and its
body posture alert as it is about to
pounce. The warty skin of the amphibian
is achieved very well. The underside
shows the webbed feet and very large
himotoshi.
HEIGHT 3.2 cm, LENGTH 7 cm
Condition: Minor imperfections to
the wood such as smaller nicks and
scratches. Otherwise good condition
with an appealing patina.
Provenance: Hungarian collection.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

214 | A VERY RARE DARK WOOD
NETSUKE OF A SEA HORSE
Unsigned
212 | MASANAO: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A TOAD Japan, second half 19th century

Signed Masanao
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Carved from grainy dark wood with reddish hues, probably kurogaki
wood (black persimmon), depicting a sea horse of elegant shape.
The sea horse has large double inlaid eyes of shimmering mother
A compact and expressive netsuke of a warty toad, the surface of pearl with horn pupils, giving it a comical expression. The details
treatment is masterfully executed, emulating the skin of its real-life are well-carved and minimalistic. Good and large himotoshi through
counterpart. The toad has large bulging eyes, double inlaid in two the backside.
types of horn, and a wide mouth, giving it an enigmatic smile. The
belly and underside are smooth and show the four webbed feet, HEIGHT 7.7 cm
as well as the signature MASANAO Ȣˢ in an oval reserve and the
himotoshi, one central and another tucked away between the legs. Condition: Excellent
condition.
HEGHT 2.8 cm, LENGTH 5 cm Provenance: European
collection.
Condition: Very good condition with minor, age-related surface
wear. Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Provenance: French private collection. Starting price EUR 750,-
A toad signed Masanao would usually be attributed to Masanao of
Ise-Yamada, though the manner of the signature is more like that
of Masanao of Kyoto. In any case, ivory netsuke of toads of this size
and quality are exceptionally rare.

Auction comparison: Compare to an ivory netsuke of a toad by
Masakatsu sold by Bonhams, Netsuke from a European Private
collection, 8 May 2016, London, lot 71.
Estimate EUR 4.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.000,-

172 173