Page 207 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

250 | MASAYUKI: A FINE WALRUS IVORY
NETSUKE OF A SHISHI ON MOKUGYO
By Hoshunsai Masayuki, signed Masayuki
Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa school, second half of 19th century
251 | A RARE ASAKUSA SCHOOL IVORY
The Shishi is seated on top a mokugyo (temple bell), mischievously NETSUKE OF A SHISHI INCENSE BURNER
grinning with one paw raised and its long tail trailing down the
handle of the mokugyo. The handle of the mokugyo terminates on Unsigned
both ends in two neatly incised swirling curls resembling the tail of Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa School, late 19th century
the Shishi. The front is engraved with a large bonji character, saku,
underneath a finely etched cross-etched pattern, also found on
the reverse. The backside with silver-rimmed central himotoshi and A finely stained ivory ryusa-manju style netsuke in the shape of
signature MASAYUKI Ȣƥ. an incense burner, decorated on the sides with a bat and reishi.
The raised lid is carved in openwork with a prancing Shishi looking
HEIGHT 4.3 cm backwards. The underside with a central himotoshi surrounded by
three bean-shaped openings, giving the impression of a stylized
Condition: Good condition. Possibly and old worn-down smooth face – typical for the Asakusa school.
chip to the front paw of the Shishi and the silver-rimmed himotoshi
has been replaced. HEIGHT 2 cm, LENGTH 4 cm
Provenance: British private collection.
Condition: One of the handles on the side is ever so slightly
Literature comparison: Compare to Kokusai the Genius: and chipped. Thin age cracks. Generally, in good condition.
Stag-antler Carving in Japan’, Sydney L. Moss, Ltd., 2016, no. 352, Provenance: French private collection.
unsigned but attributed to Rensai, using the same bonji character
saku. The present netsuke also shows some similarities to Rensai’s Estimate EUR 1.200,-
work. Starting price EUR 600,-
Estimate EUR 2.500,-
Starting price EUR 1.250,-
252 | A RARE ASAKUSA SCHOOL WALRUS IVORY
NETSUKE OF A KAPPA, LOTUS AND FROG

Unsigned
Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa, mid-19th century

A fine study, set on a lotus leaf, and depicting a smooth frog (kaeru)
grabbing hold of the leg of a kappa who holds on to the stem of a
crumpled lotus leaf. The entire composition is depicted in motion,
with the animals arranged in a circle hunting each other. The
inclusions of this rare material almost appear like stag antler, giving
it a unique appeal. The depiction of the kappa is quite interesting
– with a ferocious expression showing fangs on the corner of its
mouth, long hair, pointed ears, a large carapace and scaly body –
very much reminiscent of Nintendo’s Bowser. The frog is very much
in the manner of Rensai, and the carver of this netsuke is probably
a hand not too far from the master. Himotoshi through the stem of
the lotus leaf on the underside.
HEIGHT 2 cm, LENGTH 4 cm
Condition: Very good condition with few age cracks and natural
imperfections and inclusions.
Provenance: Hungarian collection.

Auction comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke sold by Zacke,
Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 27 April 2019, Vienna, lot 164.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

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