Page 195 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke
P. 195

237 |  A FINE WOOD NETSUKE
                                                                                                                                                                                                    OF A HATCHING TENGU
                                                                                                                                                                                               Unsigned
                                                                                                                                                                                               Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

                                                                                                                                                                                               A classic and finely executed model of a hatching tengu, known
                                                                                                                                                                                               as tengu no tomago. The tengu is climbing out of the egg and
                                                                                                                                                                                               supporting itself on the edge of the cracked shell. The eyes are
                                                                                                                                                                                               glaring and inlaid in pale translucent horn. The facial features, such
                                                                                                                                                                                               as the pointed beak, and the feathers at the back are very well
                                                                                                                                                                                               carved. Large and very good himotoshi through the underside and
                                                                                                                                                                                               side.
                                                                                                                                                                                               HEIGHT 3.8 cm
                                                                                                                                                                                               Condition: Very good condition; minor negligible surface scratches
                                                                                                                                                                                               in the wood.
                                                                                                                                                                                               Provenance: French private collection.

                                                                                                                                                                                               Estimate EUR 2.000,-
                                                                                                                                                                                               Starting price EUR 1.000,-

























                                                                                                            236 |  A WOOD NETSUKE OF A HATCHING TENGU

                                                                                                            Unsigned
                                                                                                            Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

                                                                                                            Carved from dark wood and depicting a hatching tengu (tengu no
                                                                                                            tomago) lifting itself with both hands to emerge from a smoothly
                                                                                                            polished egg. The style of the tengu is quite unique. Only one wing
                                                                                                            and part of the back is visible with finely incised lines for feathers.
                                                                                                            The head is round with large eyes and a wide beak, giving the
                                                                                                            mythical creature an amusing expression. Deep himotoshi through
                                                                                                            the underside of the egg.
                                                                                                            HEIGHT 3.4 cm, LENGTH 4.3 cm

                                                                                                            Condition: Excellent condition, good patina with a beautiful lustrous
                                                                                                            polish.
                                                                                                            Provenance: Private Long Island Collection.
                                                                                                            Estimate EUR 1.500,-
                                                                                                            Starting price EUR 750,-



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