Page 31 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

29 | TOMOKAZU: AN EXCELLENT WOOD NETSUKE
28 | AN AMUSING WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY
HOLDING DOWN A FROG
Unsigned
Japan, Gifu, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A comical wood netsuke of a monkey holding down a frog. The
monkey is visibly amused, its inlaid ivory eyes and mouth opened
wide and tongue sticking out with great excitement. The fur is
well-carved with an unusually rough, though very appealing texture.
The monkey is grabbing the frog with both of its hands and places
one foot on the poor amphibian; the other one is angled under
his body. On the contrary, the frog is considerably less amused
as the monkey puts its weight on it, effectively flattening the
frog - its visible inlaid eye looks to almost pop out of its head. The
struggling frog reaches with its left front limb between the monkey’s
arm and leg, trying to release the pressure; its fingertips are
visible underneath the monkey’s arm. The underside reveals the
characteristic features of a frog, as the webbed hind and front feet
are visible. This netsuke is attributable to the school of Tomokazu of
Gifu. Natural himotoshi.
HEIGHT 3.9 cm
Condition: Very good condition. Natural imperfection in the wood -
plugged near the head of the monkey.
Provenance: Sotheby’s, Art D’Asie, 18 December 2012, Paris, lot
260. Afterwards, The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Estimate EUR 2.500,-
Starting price EUR 1.250,-
28
OF A MONKEY EATING PERSIMMONS
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Japan, Gifu, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
This exceptional wood netsuke shows a monkey (saru) right before
taking a bite into a persimmon (kaki) while the fruit is still attached
to an exquisitely carved branch, with further fruits, which the
monkey holds in front of his body between his legs. The monkey is
leaning forward holding the kaki in both of its hands and placing its
teeth on it. His mouth opens wide and his lip arches over the fruit –
the resulting facial contortion is achieved masterfully.
The expression of the monkey is enhanced by glowing eyes of pale
and dark horn. The wood is well-worn and smooth to the touch
showing a shimmering reddish-brown tone. The underside reveals
the male gender of the monkey. Natural himotoshi through one leg
and the signature TOMOKAZU ƤĂ in a rounded reserve on one of
the thighs.
HEIGHT 3.8 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with a very appealing patina; one eye
is replaced.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Tomokazu from Gifu is regarded as one of the greatest animal
netsuke carvers of all time and often lived in seclusion to study the
animals very closely and sometimes took as much as one or two
months to finish a carving.
The monkey is the ninth sign of the Japanese Zodiac and used to
be considered to dispel ill will, ease births and be a messenger to
the gods.
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The James A. Rose Collection of Netsuke and Sagemono, 17
September 2013, New York, lot 2019.
Estimate EUR 4.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.000,-
29