Page 18 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

8 | AN EXCELLENT TALL IVORY NETSUKE 9 | A RARE 17TH CENTURY
OF ASHINAGA AND TENAGA DRIFTWOOD NETSUKE
OF A LARGE FISH
Unsigned
Japan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Unsigned
Japan, 17th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)
A tall ivory netsuke of Ashinaga (long legs) and Tenaga (long arms).
The pair from the Kyushu islands work together as fishermen.
Ashinaga is standing in the water supporting Tenaga on his back A netsuke made from natural
while he pulls out a well-carved seabream with his long arms - a flattened driftwood in the shape of a
remarkable feat of complimenting strengths. Amusingly, the two large stylized fish. Only the eyes and
are struggling with their ‘normal limbs’ as Ashinaga barely can area around the mouth are carved,
hold Tenaga with his stumpy arms, while the latter is struggling to the rest has remained as it was
support himself with his short legs. This strain is evident in their found, only altered by centuries of
expressions. The eyes are inlaid and glaring, the ivory is smooth and use and handling, giving it a beautiful
is pleasing to the touch with spots of honey patina. The backside, aji (patina). It is well documented that
with excellent himotoshi, is covered in a beautiful shimmering the earliest netsuke were basically
honey patina. any objects which would be suitable
as sagemono, like natural gourds
HEIGHT 11.4 cm or pieces of wood, etc. The present
netsuke belongs to this rare group of
Condition: Very good condition with expected age cracks and very the earliest netsuke known to man.
appealing patina. Minor losses to the inlay of the eyes of Tenaga. An agate ojime is attached to the
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection. cord which is attached to the natural
himotoshi through the mouth.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,- LENGTH 16 cm

Condition: Excellent condition worn
over centuries of use and handling.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm
Collection.
Estimate EUR 800,-
Starting price EUR 400,-

10 | A RARE IVORY NETSUKE
OF AN OCTOPUS
Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)

The octopus (tako) is crafted with a large and
smooth bulbous head with elongated bulging
eyes, his head resting on his tentacles which
extend far behind him. The tentacles have
pierced holes for suckers and form a dense
bundle, overlapping and curling around. The
composition of this octopus is quite unique.
The underside with himotoshi through one
S-shaped tentacle. Excellent patina, worn in
all the right places.
LENGTH 6.5 cm
Condition: Very good complete condition,
with expected age cracks and beautiful
patina.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

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