Page 265 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

328 | SEICHOKU: A FINE IVORY OKIMONO 330 | AN EXCELLENT IVORY OKIMONO
OF A FATHER AND SON WITH FROG OF AN ENTERTAINER PLAYING
THE SAMISEN
By Seichoku, signed Seichoku
Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912) Unsigned
Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Finely carved as a man holding a long staff and a rosary bead,
looking down at his son who is holding a minutely carved frog Sensitively crafted as a seated entertainer tuning his samisen, a
up high. The boy is seated on a mat next to a tree trunk. The traditional Japanese three-string instrument. The man is wearing
details, such as the facial features and hands are incredibly fine. a hat and an elaborately decorated kimono. His facial features are
The underside shows the surface of the mat and the signature superbly carved. In front of him is a brocade tobacco pouch with
SEICHOKU йˢ on an inlaid red lacquer tablet. With a fine, old an incised bird for the kanamono (pouch fitting). With a fine, old
associated wood stand. associated wood stand.

HEIGHT 7.8 cm HEIGHT 6.2 cm
Condition: Amazingly, in MINT condition. Condition: Very good condition with a minor repair to the wrist of
Provenance: British private collection. the left arm and to the top of the samisen.
Provenance: British collection.
Auction comparison: For a similar okimono by Seichoku see
Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 10 November 2011, London, lot 164. Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-

329 | SEIKO: A FINE IVORY OKIMONO
OF A RAT CATCHER WITH CAT

By Seiko, signed Seiko
Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Finely carved as a rat catcher with his box he uses to catch rats
beside him. The rat has escaped onto his back, causing the man
to shriek in surprise, his minutely carved hands are depicted in
motion. The tiny rat is carved with good detail and a little whimsical
cat, with a charming expression, is trying to reach it. The signature
underneath the tray which holds the box on a red lacquer tablet
SEIKO йЗ. With a fine, old associated wood stand.
HEIGHT 8 cm

Condition: Amazingly, in perfect condition. One tiny imperfection to
the cat’s back.
Provenance: British private collection.
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-

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