Page 180 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

217 | SHOKIN: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE
OF A CAT AND TORTOISE
219 | A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE
By Shokin, signed Shokin OF A WOLF WITH SKULL
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A good and unusual stained wood netsuke of a cat wearing a
decorative collar around its neck and sitting on a kame (tortoise),
which seems not to be particularly disturbed by this. Its head and An early ivory netsuke of a wolf (okami) voraciously biting into a
legs are slightly retracted. The cat has a silly, pleased expression on skull. The wolf is emaciated and has glaring hungry eyes double-
its face whilst it lifts one paw up to prod the shell of the turtle. Both inlaid in pale and dark horn. The entire piece is covered in a very
animals have black inlaid eyes. The patterns on the turtle shell are attractive old honey patina. Natural himotoshi.
precisely carved. Himotoshi and signature SHOKIN ؟ඁ in a reserve
on the underside. HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 4.7 cm

HEIGHT 3.4 cm, LENGTH 4.5 cm Condition: Good age-related condition with expected age cracks,
wear and beautiful patina. One tiny, old and smoothed out chip to
Condition: Excellent condition. the edge of the right front paw.
Provenance: German private collection. Provenance: Czech private collection.
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 750,-

220 | A POWERFUL WOOD NETSUKE
OF A WOLF WITH A SKULL
218 | A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING Unsigned
PIEBALD CAT ON A FAN Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The wolf (okami) with a skull is a common motif in netsuke art,
found in the works of Tomotada and Yoshinaga among others. The
skull originates either from the battlefield of Musashi or it is the
When picking this netsuke up, one is immediately overwhelmed wolf of Kozukahara, the execution grounds near Edo, both places
with a feeling of peace and tranquility. The well-fed piebald cat being near Tokyo. The wolf is large as well as finely and expressively
(neko) is lying curled up on a large fan with its head resting on the carved, the reddish wood polished to a shine and with black
crossed paws in front of it. The eyes are closed, and its expression staining for contrast. “Okami” for wolf is homophonous to Okami,
is the epitome of calmness with a hint of fatigue. The underside meaning “great god”, as the wolf used to be called out of respect
with the finely carved ribbed surface of the fan and perfectly for the animal. Natural himotoshi between the legs and through the
crafted, asymmetrical himotoshi. skull. A powerful and early netsuke.
HEIGHT 2.2 cm, LENGTH 4.8 cm HEIGHT 3.6 cm, LENGTH 5.5 cm
Condition: Very good condition. Miniscule age-related nicks and Condition: One of the lower incisors is chipped otherwise good
wear. condition with minor wear and a good patina.
Provenance: British private collection with two valuations from Provenance: British private collection with two valuations from
Sotheby’s, by Neil K. Davey, dated 1974 & 1984, inventory no. 133. Sotheby’s, by Neil K. Davey, dated 1974 & 1984, inventory no. 105.
Estimate EUR 1.000,- Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 500,- Starting price EUR 750,-

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