Page 33 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

30 | A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNARLING TIGER
Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A compact wood netsuke of a snarling tiger, quite unusual in its
appearance and dynamic. One paw is placed in front and the body
bends around as it lets out a humorously insecure snarl. The thick
tail curls around almost touching its ear. Neatly incised fur with
expressed tiger stripes, and the paws on the underside are very
well-carved. Natural himotoshi through the two right legs which are
tucked together. Fine patina and good color to the wood.
HEIGHT 3.6 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-
31 | MIWA: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF CHAJIN
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Japan, Edo, mid-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A rare netsuke from the pioneer of netsuke carving in Tokyo/Edo.
Depicted is a seated Chajin (tea ceremony master) holding a tea jar
in his lap. He is almost completely enveloped in his robe and has a
powerful expression, enigmatic, earthly and unusual – idiosyncratic
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to be finished with a thin coat of lacquer. Large, generous
himotoshi on the underside next to the signature MIWA Ɓڿ and
characteristic kakihan, identifying this as Miwa I.
HEIGHT 3.4 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with stunning patina.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection. Probably acquired at
Lempertz, 28 November 1986, no. 656.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-
30
32 | MASAYOSHI: A TALL WOOD
NETSUKE OF ONO NO
KOMACHI
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Japan, early 19th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)
The poetess is standing and holding a
cane and tattered hat in front of her. Her
expression is very well carved, signifying
wisdom but also showing her great age,
with masterfully carved facial features and
wrinkles. She is wearing a kimono, revealing
her chest and emaciated rib cage. Her long
hair is finely carved and tied at the back.
Another fine detail is her tattered robe,
with a torn section at the bottom flowing
downwards to her feet. Large and worn
himotoshi through the backside, separated
by her obi, above the signature MASAYOSHI
؈ྪ. It is evident that this netsuke was used
and worn, very much fitting to this subject of
the old and worn-out Komachi.
HEIGHT 9 cm
Condition: Good, worn condition. One thin
age crack by the side and small nicks, adding
very much to the appeal of the netsuke. The
himotoshi are worn.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Ono no Komachi was one of the great six
poets of the ninth century (also referred
to as the Rokkasen). Not only was she
an incredibly talented poetess, but also
celebrated for her beauty and vibrancy in
her youth. Later in life she became old and is
often depicted begging for food on the side
of the road. Her beauty had faded, and she
became a symbol for the evanescence of life.
It is unclear which Masayoshi is the carver
of this netsuke. It is possible that this is
an early work of the famous metalworker
Iwama Masayoshi (1763-1837), due to the
peculiarity of the Masa ؈ kanji.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,
31