Page 21 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

14 | AN IVORY NETSUKE OF
A SHISHI ROLLED INTO A BALL
Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

An ivory netsuke of perfectly rounded form depicting a shishi
holding a brocade ball firmly between its paws – even its tail
supports the ball, so it doesn’t roll away. The shishi has an
amusingly playful expression with inlaid eyes rolling towards each
other and the mouth wide-opened, with a loose ball inside, showing
its teeth and rolled up tongue. The lion dog has floppy ears,
bushy curls and a flowing mane – all wonderfully carved. Natural
himotoshi through the mouth and an old drilled hole on the
underside, so it could
be mounted on a
cane. The composition
is an accomplished
counterpart to the
famous Masanao rat.
HEIGHT 3.4 cm
Condition: Good and
complete condition.
Some wear to the
drilled hole on the
underside.
Provenance: The
Gabor Wilhelm
Collection.
Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 500,-

13 | A FINE AND RARE
IVORY ASHTRAY NETSUKE
WITH DRAGON
Unsigned 15 | A RARE IVORY RYUSA
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) MANJU NETSUKE
WITH MANY BATS

Carved as a bowl decorated in high relief Signed
with an image of a scaly, roaring celestial Japan, late 19th century
dragon (tatsu) amidst beautifully carved
swirling clouds. The bowl has an elegant
shape and functions as an ashtray netsuke. Finely carved in openwork with many
The central himotoshi is surrounded by bats, nine to be exact, depicted in various
concentric swirls and the crisply carved claws attitudes, some of them with inlaid eyes
of the dragon. Ashtray netsuke were often of dark horn. The bat is a symbol for luck,
quite simple objects of daily use, and rarely longevity and prosperity, often used to
carved to this detail. decorated wedding presents. Many openings
possible for himotoshi. Signature in an oval
DIAMETER 4.2 cm reserve, however illegible.
Condition: The peg that was fitted inside LENGTH 4.6 cm
the himotoshi is lost. Otherwise very good
condition with an attractive, fine patina. Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Estimate EUR 1.500,- Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 750,- Starting price EUR 600,-

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