Page 194 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

235 | A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF A BAYING
KIRIN ATTRIBUTED TO MITSUHARU

Unsigned, attributed to Mitsuharu
Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Finely and powerfully carved as a Kirin, pupils inlaid in dark horn,
the body and neck turned backwards, the head and snout turned
upwards and letting out a hearty roar. Carved masterfully; the
flaming, bushy tail curls upwards and touches the Kirin on the chin.
The fatty tissue on the mythical animal’s haunches and the scales
covering the body are carved with superior detail. The hooves are
arranged in typical Mitsuharu fashion, lending further movement to
the composition. Himotoshi through the side and underside.
HEIGHT 6 cm

Condition: One hoof is restored very well. Otherwise very good
condition.
Provenance: European private collection.
The Kirin is derived from the Chinese mythical beast Qilin, one of
the four divine creatures, the others being the dragon, phoenix and
turtle. The Japanese Kirin is something of wild mythical fantasy – its
most characteristic feature is of course the horn, as it is also called
the Japanese unicorn. It has four legs with hooves and the hindlegs
are covered with very well-expressed fatty tissue, like that of a
Shishi. The rest of the body is covered in dense plumage, like that
of a phoenix.
Auction comparison: Compare to a very similar netsuke sold by Van
Ham, Asiatische Kunst, 12 June 2019, Cologne, lot 2233.

Estimate EUR 7.000,-
Starting price EUR 3.500,-

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