Page 39 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

36 | RYOMIN: A VERY FINE IVORY NETSUKE 37 | CHIKUYOSAI TOMOCHIKA: A MAGNIFICENT
OF A BOY WITH HOBBY HORSE IVORY NETSUKE OF A MOTHER WITH CHILD
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Japan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th century Japan, Edo, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

An incredibly detailed, finely stained and carved miniature A rather large ivory netsuke depicting a mother supporting her child on her back
masterpiece depicting a young boy riding a hobby horse. The boy DQG KROGLQJ D ODUJH WHD NHWWOH 7KH ZRPDQ LV D %LMLQ EHDXWLIXO ODG\ Ȃ D V\PERO RI
must be from a wealthy background as he is wearing elaborately eroticism, as the netsuke has light shunga undertones, the mother’s sensitively
worked clothing with inlays of red and green-stained horn. A little crafted breasts are revealed. Furthermore, she represents fertility and devotion, as
pouch is tied to his obi. The expression and mane of the horse she carries her child and a tea kettle, presumably to her husband. The robes of the
are finely carved and the little wheel, which also shows horn-inlay, two are carved exquisitely, adorned with geometrical motifs. Good himotoshi in the
emerges from the underside. Minutely engraved signature RYOMIN back as well as the signature TOMOCHIKA Ƥʡ in a slightly polished reserve.
ႂΦ with kao on the underside. Himotoshi seem to be absent,
though there are natural possibilities. HEIGHT 6.6 cm
HEIGHT 4.2 cm Condition: Very good condition with slightly worn features and faint age cracks.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Condition: Superb condition.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection. Probably one of the finest netsuke by Tomochika to grace our rooms.
Literature comparison: A similar netsuke with two boys and hobby Estimate EUR 4.000,-
KRUVH LV VKRZQ LQ ) 0HLQHUW]KDJHQ 0&Ζ 3DUW % 1HZ <RUN Starting price EUR 2.000,-
page 658.
Auction comparison: For a comparable netsuke by Ono Ryomin see
Christie’s, Arts Asiatiques, 19 November 2003, Paris, lot 54.
Ono Ryomin of Tokyo, born in 1833, was a student of Ho Rakumin.
He was known, amongst others, for his extremely fine depictions of
children.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

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