Page 244 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

CONTEMPORARY NETSUKE

304 | MICHAEL WEBB: A VERY RARE
BOXWOOD NETSUKE OF A MOLE
By Michael Webb (1934-2009), signed with initials ‘MJW’
England, Yorkshire, 1979/1980
Published: Eskenazi Ltd., Japanese Netsuke from Private
Collections and Michael Webb Netsuke, London, 1980, p.28, no.67.

A naturalistic model of a plump mole with its body curved slightly
to the left in the act of digging. Its graphically large clawed-paws
and snout are stained brown and its body is stained black with
minutely carved fur. The tiny inlaid eyes make for a spectacular
expression. Signature MJW in a polished reserve on the underside
and natural himotoshi through the left hind and front leg. Moles are
an incredibly rare subject in netsuke art.
LENGTH 5.3 cm

Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Eskenazi Ltd, then collection of Robert S. Huthart.
Michael Webb (1932-2009), formerly director and auctioneer at
Sotheby’s, carved netsuke as a hobby until 1976. Afterwards he
moved to Yorkshire and started mastering the art with the guidance
of Luigi Bandini of Eskenazi Ltd. The present netsuke is a rare
and early work of the artist, probably inspired by a mole in his
garden, also shown by the superior and naturalistic presentation,
particularly in the hairwork and bodily proportions of the animal.
Auction comparison: For a comparable model by Masatoshi see
Bonhams, The Bluette H. Kirchhoff Collection of Netsuke and
Sagemono, 16 September 2009, New York, lot 2139.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,-

303 | GUY SHAW: A LARGE OKIMONO-TYPE
NETSUKE OF GILT ANTS ON ROOT WOOD

By Guy Shaw, signed with initials ‘GS’
England, late 20th century

An okimono-type netsuke which shows the artist’s spectacular
understanding of the beauty within nature. Knowing Guy Shaw, he
probably found this piece of root wood as is, created and shaped
by nature through countless years. The structure shows beautiful
crackling and several cervices and irregularities – perfect for little
ants to crawl about. So, he crafted seven perfectly gilt ants, in Jikan
Ganbun manner, crawling around the rock-like structure, ideally
shaped as a large netsuke. A collaboration between genius artistry
and nature. Signed on the underside on a gilt tablet ‘GS’.
HEIGHT 5.5 cm, LENGTH 9 cm

Condition: Superb condition.
Provenance: Swiss private collection.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,-

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