Page 19 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

12 | A FINELY STAINED WALRUS IVORY
TWO-PART MANJU NETSUKE OF A CRAB
Unsigned
Japan, Osaka, early to mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A walrus ivory netsuke stained immaculately in Osaka style, not
far from the skill of Mitsuhiro. The netsuke consists of two parts,
the top section shows the crab (kani) with eyes and pincers. The
base shows the underside of the carapace - the eight legs are
carved with an incredible sense of realism. The cord channel on the
underside is ringed in silver and the inside shows a central peg for
himotoshi. Interestingly, a wooden peg is fitted on the side, so that
the netsuke could also be used as a pill box. The inside is stained
deep red. Netsuke of crabs are incredibly rare.
DIAMETER 3.1 cm
Condition: Very good condition. There are a few tiny scratches on
the inside of the upper part.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

11 | AN IVORY NETSUKE OF AN
OCTOPUS INSIDE A MORTAR
Unsigned
Japan, probably Osaka, early to mid-19th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)

The octopus (tako) shown with a pronounced head and bundled
tentacles, starkly contrasting to the finely ribbed surface of the
concave mortar (suribachi). The underside of the mortar is smooth,
with a fine honey-patina and intentionally carved cracks, showing
the age of the mortar which has been lying on the seabed offering a
home to the octopus. Irregular oval and circular himotoshi.
DIAMETER 4 cm

Condition: Very good condition, the pupils of the octopus are
possibly lost.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
The tako is also called the physician of the sea and the suribachi
was used to grind herbs and medicine – therefore this netsuke
serves as a charm of good health.

Auction comparison: Compare to an almost identical netsuke sold
at Van Ham, Asiatische Kunst, 8 December 2016, Cologne, lot 2453.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

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