Page 197 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

238 | TADAKUNI: A VERY RARE AND FINE
WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO KAPPA
By Tadakuni, signed Tadakuni
Japan, Nagoya, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Published: Neil K. Davey, Netsuke,1974, no. 574
F. Meinertzhagen, MCI Part B, New York, 1986, page 837.

A superbly detailed and fine carving of two young kappa, facing
in opposite directions, atop three conjoined rocks adorned with
finely engraved vines and leaves. The scaly creatures have precisely
incised hair and finely crafted, enigmatic expressions with minutely
inlaid eyes. One of them is holding a fish. Signed beneath the
bridge, separating the very good himotoshi, TADAKUNI ฑř in
raised ukibori characters.
HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 3.5 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with a stunning patina.
Provenance: Ex W.W Winkworth collection, Ex M.T Hindson
collection sold at Sotheby’s 9 July 1968, London, lot 620.
Tadakuni of Nagoya was a pupil of Tadatoshi, though arguably more
brilliant than the latter and considerably rarer, since his output was
rather limited. As evident in the present netsuke he was capable
of individual design. Neil. K. Davey states that they are kappa-like
creatures and fanciful creations of the artist, a man of creative
genius. Furthermore, Neil K. Davey and F. Meinertzhagen state that
this netsuke is extremely fine and very fine, respectively.
Estimate EUR 4.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.000,-

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