Page 186 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

227 | A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL
225 | IKKO: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE Unsigned
OF TWO QUAILS ON MILLET
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
By Ikko, signed Ikko
Japan, mid to late 19th century
Beautifully and naturalistically carved as a snail (katatsumuri) shown
emerging from its shell with its feelers and labial tentacles folded
back and resting on the shell for compactness. The spiraling shell
Finely carved and stained depicting two quails perched on a dense is carved with incredible detail and the rough texture of the snail’s
spray of millet. The two birds are facing in opposite directions, naked body is achieved very well, contrasting to the underside of
one pecking at the millet and the other upright, their expressions the body which is smooth and succulent. The foot is visible on the
powerfully crafted with minutely inlaid eyes. The dense plumage is underside and forms a curling lump with natural himotoshi going
accentuated and finely engraved. The underside shows the millet through under it. This snail though unsigned, is in the range of
leaves elegantly flowing around, one showing the signature IKKO Ă great examples by Nagoya and Tanba masters.
ʾ and cleverly forming the himotoshi.
HEIGHT 2.8 cm, LENGTH 4.2 cm
HEIGHT 3.5 cm, LENGTH 4.5 cm
Condition: Good condition, one of the feelers with a small, very
Condition: A tiny section of the tail feathers of the upright quail well-done repair.
with a minor restoration. Otherwise very good condition with few Provenance: British private collection.
expected thin age cracks through the leaves.
Provenance: European collection.
Estimate EUR 2.500,-
Starting price EUR 1.250,-
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-

226 | SHIGEMASA: A FINE WOOD
NETSUKE OF A SNAIL
By Shigemasa, signed Shigemasa
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Carved from stained wood in three different tones as a snail
slithering down an upturned bucket, stretching its feelers out.
The spiraling smooth shell and the rough texture of the body
are masterfully worked. The bucket, as well, is carved true to life,
showing the various hues of the wood and grain. Natural himotoshi
through the body of the snail. Signature SHIGEMASA ȶȢ, heavily
worn, on the top of the bucket.
HEIGHT 4.8 cm
Condition: One feeler is slightly chipped. The signature is worn
down. Otherwise excellent condition.
Provenance: Luxembourg private collection.

Auction comparison: For another snail on bucket by Shigemasa see
Christie’s, The Art of Japan, 5 December 2017, London, lot 15.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

182 183