Page 239 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

298 | TESSAI: A RARE LACQUERED GIGAKU WOOD
MASK NETSUKE OF GOJO
By Kano Tessai (1845-1925), signed Tessai to with kao Provenance: Peter E. Müller Mask Collection.
Japan, early 20th century
Kano Tessai (1845–1925) came from a Gifu family and started
Published: M. Rutherston, Japanese Masks, Peter E. Müller, 2017, his life as a Buddhist priest, though his father instructed him in
no. 10. the art of carving. He studied Chinese literature and drawing and
was a professor at Tokyo art school in 1872. He was also on the
examining committee for investigating the ancient art of Japan and
An exact miniature portrait of the Gigaku mask of Gojo, also known subsequently went to Nara where he engaged in the reproductions
as the lady of Wu, as she represents a court lady from the Wu of old objects of art, such as the present example. Gigaku was the
kingdom (222-280). This mask was used in the play Konron. The traditional music theatre, performed in silent mime, of the Japanese
mask also very much resembles the ‘fat ladies’ of the Tang dynasty. Court from the 7th to 10th centuries. Introduced in 612 from Korea,
A central bridge forms the himotoshi on the underside, where also Gigaku reached great popularity in the Nara period (710-794).
the signature TESSAI ۾ᑚ to and kao is located. With original wood Gigaku is a combination of Togaku, derived from China during the
box, signed and sealed by the artist. Tang dynasty, Komagaku from Korea, and original Japanese music.
Kano Tessai was heavily engaged in a revival of ancient Japanese
HEIGHT 3.6 cm culture by emulating the patina and feeling of Gigaku masks in the
form of his own miniature masterpieces.
Condition: Excellent condition. The flaking of the lacquer is most
likely on purpose, as Tessai was known to reproduce exact images Estimate EUR 1.500,-
of historical masks. Starting price EUR 750,-

299 | HOJITSU: A FINE IVORY AND LACQUER
MASK NETSUKE OF OKAME
By Meikeisai Hojitsu, signed Hojitsu
Japan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th century
Published: M. Rutherston, Japanese Masks, Peter E. Müller, 2017,
no. 108.
Exhibited: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Netsuke: The Japanese Art
of Miniature Carving, 1998, no. 154.

Finely carved as the Shinto goddess Okame, gleefully laughing with
a high forehead and large round cheeks. Her mouth is lacquered
red and her hair is lacquered in black with finely incised lines. The
backside lacquered in gold with a central bridge in the shape of a
ribbon forming the himotoshi and signed HOJITSU ʑǮ inside a
rounded reserve.
HEIGHT 3.9 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Peter E. Müller Mask Collection.

Literature comparison: A similar netsuke by Hojitsu is in the Tokyo
National Museum, illustrated in H. Arakawa, The Go Collection of
Netsuke, pp. 76-77, no. 129.
Estimate EUR 4.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.000,-

236 237