Page 229 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

280 | KAGETOSHI: A RARE 282 | KOHOSAI: A VERY RARE NARWHAL
IVORY HAKO TRICK TUSK MANJU NETSUKE WITH MASKS
NETSUKE WITH
MASKS By Ueda Kohosai, signed genji gannen kino-ne shunjitsu Kohosai
kore wo koku
By Kagetoshi, signed Kagetoshi Japan, Osaka, dated 1864, Edo period (1615-1868)
Japan, second half of 19th century,
Edo period (1615-1868)
Carved from a thick cross-section of a narwhal tusk, incredibly rare,
Published: M. Rutherston, and carved in shishiabori (sunken relief) with three masks including
Japanese Masks, Peter E. Müller, an impressive Hannya mask. The reverse fitted with a shibuichi loop
2017, no. 31. for cord attachment and signed KOHOSAI ȓ஥᤮ kore wo koku
with a date of Genji first year, equivalent to 1864. The outer ridge
and concentric grain of this rare material is a sight to behold and
A very unusual piece which does seamlessly integrated into the design.
not appear to be a netsuke at all, at
first glance. However, after closer DIAMETER 5.3 cm
examination, it certainly is – and a
wonderfully functional and luxurious Condition: Very good condition with natural crackling.
one. The matchbox shaped hako Provenance: British collection.
(container) is engraved with
intricately worked vines and leaves Estimate EUR 2.500,-
all over, with an inset ivory mask of Starting price EUR 1.250,-
Okina on the top – a hint of what is
to be revealed inside! The underside
shows an opening with himotoshi,
where a drawer can be pushed out
to reveal two further, removable
but perfectly fitted, masks of Jo and
Uba. Signed KAGETOSHI բϙ in a
rectangular reserve.
SIZE 1.6 x 4.8 x 3.9 cm (H x L x W)
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Acquired from Zacke,
Netsuke und Shin Hanga & Sosaku
Hanga - Exhibition 2009, hence Peter
E. Müller mask collection.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

281 | SEKKO: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF OBJECTS
FOR THE NOH PLAY OKINA

By Sekko, signed Sekko
Japan, second half of 19th century

Finely carved and stained as a mask box with the mask of Okina
carved on top, next to an eboshi hat – both objects used for the
Noh play Okina. The mask box is crisply carved, finely engraved
on the sides and tied together – one is tempted to open it. The
underside shows the tassles of the hat and signature underneath
the mask box in a rounded reserve SEKKO ݋ᆘ. Himotoshi through
the mask box.
HEIGHT 2.8 cm, LENGTH 4.5 cm
Condition: There is some old damage to one side of the masks box
and to the backside of the hat – possibly they were once joined
together. Otherwise fine condition.
Provenance: Hungarian collection.
Estimate EUR 800,-
Starting price EUR 400,-

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