Page 212 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

255 | A STUNNING STAG ANTLER RYUSA MANJU
NETSUKE WITH RAIN DRAGON AND REISHI
Unsigned
Japan, Asakusa school, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Brilliantly carved in openwork forming a dense composition of a
rain dragon amidst thick stalks of reishi mushrooms enveloping
the celestial being like clouds. The rain dragon, with strong facial
features, is grasping his own furcated tail, which twists around the
entire composition, at times intertwining with the reishi. The antler
material is heavily porous, brilliantly utilized by the artist, and of
strong caramel color. The backside with natural himotoshi formed
by a beautifully dark and porous intersection of three thick reishi
mushrooms.
LENGTH 4.4 cm, THICKNESS 1.6 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Austrian collection.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

254 | A FINE WALRUS IVORY RYUSA
MANJU NETSUKE WITH DRAGON

Unsigned
Japan, Asakusa school, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1968)
Published: Henri L. Joly, W. L Behrens Collection (1912/1966),
no. 1523.

Masterfully hollowed out and carved in openwork with a depiction
of a central coiled dragon, in Chinese style, surrounded by clouds
and bands with an archaistic key-fret design. The reverse with
central floral himotoshi and with further pierced petals, effectively
creating a double flower. The sides completely carved in openwork
with a wavy concentric band.
DIAMETER 4.1 cm, THICKNESS 2 cm

Condition: Very good condition.
Provenance: Walter L. Behrens collection, no. 1523. Then European
private collection.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,-

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