Page 241 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

300 | DEME UMAN: A RARE IVORY MASK 301 | A KUROGAKI WOOD NETSUKE
NETSUKE OF A KITSUNE OF A SHISHI MASK
By Deme Uman, signed Deme Uman Tenkaichi Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Expressively carved as the mask of a ferocious Kitsune (fox) with A kurogaki (black persimmon) wood netsuke of a Shishi mask with
a movable jaw revealing rows of sharp teeth and traces of red an articulated jaw. The Shishi has finely carved bushy curls, floppy
pigment inside the mouth. Signed DEME UMAN śϝޣ͝ (first ears, large inlaid eyes of black horn, a large reishi nose, and sharp
under heaven) on the central bridge in the reverse, where the rows of teeth when its mouth is opened. Large himotoshi through
himotoshi is located. The ivory is lightly stained and bears an the back of the head and the tongue on the inside, effectively
attractive honey patina. keeping the jaw in place.

LENGTH 3.8 cm HEIGHT 2.2 cm,
LENGTH 3.8 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: British collection, old collection no. A222. Condition: The teeth
exhibit some wear,
Deme Uman was the grandson of Deme Juman, who is regarded and smaller nicks
as the originator of mask netsuke. He is regarded as the most and scratches to the
celebrated of mask netsuke makers and worked almost invariably underside. Generally, in
in wood. The present netsuke is a very rare model from ivory and very good condition.
certainly from the period, however unclear if by the master or a Provenance: British
close hand. private collection.
Auction comparison: For a similar netsuke in wood see Bonhams, Estimate EUR 600,-
Fine Japanese and Korean Art, 11 September 2019, New York, lot Starting price EUR 300,-
946.

Estimate EUR 2.500,-
Starting price EUR 1.250,-

302 | RANTEI: A RARE WOOD MASK
NETSUKE OF USOFUKI

By Hogen Rantei, signed Rantei
Japan, Kyoto, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A rather large wood mask netsuke depicting Usofuki with comically
funnel-shaped pressed forward lips, a well-carved nose, and
large double-inlaid eyes of pale and dark horn. The backside with
himotoshi through the central bridge where also the signature
RANTEI ࠌᎽ is located. Mask netsuke by Hogen Rantei are
incredibly rare, Fuld’s Index lists only one mask of Okame in
ivory. Most great masters are known to have made mask netsuke
occasionally, and the present netsuke is a very rare example by the
great Kyoto master Rantei.
HEIGHT 5 cm

Condition: Very good condition.
Provenance: British collection.
Estimate EUR 800,-
Starting price EUR 400,-

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