Page 234 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

288 | A RARE HORNBILL IVORY
MASK NETSUKE OF AN ONI
Unsigned
Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Published: M. Rutherston, Japanese Masks, Peter E. Müller, 2017,
no. 139.

A finely carved and powerful depiction of an oni. The horns are
unusual and probably inspired by a European faun-devil. The
mask netsuke is carved from hornbill ivory (honen), a rare material
brilliantly utilized here, with the red section of the bill visible on the
sides. Himotoshi through the central bridge in the reverse.
HEIGHT 4.2 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Peter E. Müller Mask Collection.

Auction comparison: For a similar netsuke by Jugyoku see Sotheby’s,
The Katchen Collection of Netsuke, 8 November 2005, London, lot
65.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

287 | ITTOKUSAI: A POWERFUL IVORY
MASK NETSUKE OF AN ONI

By Ittokusai, signed Ittokusai
Japan, second half of 19th century
Published: M. Rutherston, Japanese Masks, Peter E. Müller, 2017,
no. 135. Exhibited.

Carved as a viciously grinning horned oni, bared teeth with sharp
fangs, large nose and pointed ears. His bushy hair is curling, and
his furrowed brows and beard are flaming. A central bridge on the
reverse forms the himotoshi, where also the signature ITTOKUSAI
Ă䉾᤮ is located.
HEIGHT 4.5 cm

Condition: Age cracks and minor wear to ivory. Good condition.
Provenance: Peter E. Müller mask collection.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

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