Page 42 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

38 | AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A
DUTCHMAN WITH DRUM
Unsigned
Japan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Depicting a seated Dutchman wearing a large hat and holding a 40 | AN EARLY AND FINE IVORY NETSUKE
drum in front of him, one hand resting on the drum and another OF A SHISHIMAI DANCER
holding a mallet. Excellent himotoshi through the under- and
backside. The entire surface is covered in a beautiful honey patina.
Unsigned
Japan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
HEIGHT 3.8 cm
Condition: Very good, worn condition. Expected age cracks and
Carved as a boy with a drum tied to his obi in front him, holding a
excellent patina.
pair of drumsticks and wearing a festive cloak incised with three
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
different geometrical patterns. He is lifting his Shishimai mask,
revealing his face. The boy has very finely crafted facial features
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
with full cheeks, a sensitively crafted nose and a charming smile.
Starting price EUR 750,-
The Shishi mask at the top is equally well-carved with expressive
features and finely carved curls. The icing on the cake is the
patina – honey orange in the back and coherently worn in just the
right places, indicating a well-used and loved piece. The generous
himotoshi, as well, are perfect.
HEIGHT 7.6 cm
Condition: Expected age cracks, beautiful patina. One foot is
restored very well.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
39 | MASAHIRO: A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE
OF A BUTTERFLY DANCER, KOCHO NO MAI The Shishimai festival was imported from China during the Tang
dynasty and is celebrated during the New Year to bring good luck
and ward off evil spirits. The subject is commonly treated in netsuke
%\ 0DVDKLUR VLJQHG 0DVDKLUR
art; however, this quality is very rare.
Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-
The butterfly dancer performing the kocho no mai is shown in a
dancing posture, one leg raised, holding a drum in one hand with
another swinging upwards. His wings, neatly incised with circular
patterns, are spread and two garlands surround him, flowing
downwards to his legs. Finely carved facial features and good
staining. Small himotoshi in the back and signature on the left foot
MASAHIRO ȢЗ.
HEIGHT 5.2 cm

Condition: Excellent
condition.
Provenance: The Gabor
Wilhelm Collection.
Literature comparison:
For another example of
this very rare subject see
Karl M. Schwarz, Netsuke
Subjects, no. 290.
Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

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