Page 28 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

22 | AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A 24 | AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE
SHAGGY DOG ON A ZABUTON OF A WOLF WITH HAUNCH
Unsigned Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Japan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

This lovely netsuke shows a shaggy dog (muku inu type) on a A good old ivory netsuke depicting a hungry wolf devouring a
cushion (zabuton) with its head resting on its finely carved paws. haunch of venison. The expression of the hungry wolf looks
The dog has big excited eyes and long groomed fur which elegantly satisfied as it tries to rip the meat from the bone of the deer. The
runs along its body. The cushion is two-layered and provides a cozy piece was probably worn by several generations as the patina
place for the dog to rest on. The curvature of its body aligns with reveals the age of the netsuke showing age cracks and a deep-
the circular cushion – the dog seems to have found just the right yellow worn patina, giving the piece a unique appeal. Natural
position to fit fully on the pillow! The ears are big, and the body himotoshi through the feet of the wolf.
language indicates a deep satisfaction. Large himotoshi on the
underside with a beautiful yellow patina. LENGTH 4.6 cm, HEIGHT 3 cm
DIAMETER 3.6 cm Condition: Signs of age and wear with age cracks on one side. The
other side shows a deep-yellow worn patina. Despite its age it is in
Condition: Good very good and complete condition.
condition. Very few Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
age cracks in the fur
of the dog and on the Estimate EUR 2.000,-
cushion. A tiny nick Starting price EUR 1.000,-
in between the two
layers of the cushion.
The patina is slightly
worn.
Provenance: The
Gabor Wilhelm
Collection.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

23 | A RARE AND EARLY IVORY NETSUKE
OF AN ELEPHANT AND BAKU
Unsigned
Japan, early 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

An ivory netsuke set on a base surmounted by an elephant and a
baku. The elephant with a typically long trunk and large ears has
its head lowered and is touching the bushy tail of the other baying
animal that resembles a tapir, though with tusks. It is known that
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which was treated in Chinese art as early as the Han-dynasty.
Extraordinary patina typical for an early and well-loved piece.
Central himotoshi on the underside.
HEIGHT 3 cm
Condition: Very good age-related condition with expected age
cracks and stunning patina.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.

The baku is known to consume nightmares and was therefore
considered a talisman against bad sleep.
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-

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