Page 219 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

FINE KAGAMIBUTA -
METALWORKERS ENTERING
THE NEW AGE
264 | RYUSAI: A LARGE ASAKUSA SCHOOL OBI-
HASAMI STAG ANTLER NETSUKE WITH REISHI
By Ryusai, signed Ryusai with seal koku
Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa School, second half of 19th century

A large obi-hasami (inserted into the belt) stag antler netsuke in the
form of a long growth of eight reishi mushrooms, attached to one
thick stem, beautifully and elegantly intertwining with each other.
The surface of the reishi is rough and bendy and the material is 265 | A FINE IVORY AND MIXED METAL
brilliantly utilized, with most of the ‘useless’ spongiform and porous KAGAMIBUTA WITH SHOKI AND ONI
surface hidden within. Reishi fungus are a symbol for longevity, and
the number eight is considered lucky – making this an emblem of Unsigned
long life and luck. Signed RYUSAI ؁᤮ with seal koku ୌ. School of Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Ozaki Kokusai.
HEIGHT 22.8 cm
The bowl made from ivory and the lid made of shakudo with gilt
details. Shoki has a full beard and wide hat, his face showing a
Condition: A section (roughly 2.5 cm) of a stem of one reishi has characteristically grim expression. Next to him is a menacingly
been restored. Otherwise excellent condition. smiling horned oni, its head made from copper with finely gilt
Provenance: British collection, previously offered at Bonhams, Fine details. An iris flower (shobu), which is meant to dispel demons, is
Japanese Art, 10 November 2016, lot 327.
shown behind them. Central himotoshi through the back and cord
attachment on the back of the inset lid.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-
DIAMETER 4.2 cm
Condition: The bowl with crack and missing the metal ring around
the himotoshi. Otherwise good condition.
Provenance: European collection.
Estimate EUR 800,-
Starting price EUR 400,-

266 | A FINE KAGAMIBUTA OF A MASK CARVER
Unsigned
Japan, second half of 19th century

Fitted in a superb ivory bowl with a shibuichi plate depicting a
mask carver, chiseling and hammering at a large, grim oni mask.
The details are finely inlaid in copper and gold. Central himotoshi
through the reverse and cord attachment on the back of the plate.
DIAMETER 4.6 cm

Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: European collection.
Estimate EUR 800,-
Starting price EUR 400,-

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