Page 57 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

61 | MASAKAZU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE
OF A YAWNING OKAME
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Japan, Gifu, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

An amusing depiction of the Shinto goddess Okame, also known as
Otafuku, known for performing the first nude dance in Japan. This
work shows her half-nude, with large breasts, a large belly and a
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the Zen patriarch Daruma, who is often depicted yawning after his
nine-year mediation. Okame depicted in this way is also often called
Onna Daruma (“Woman Daruma”). Large, generous himotoshi
through the back and the left buttock. Signed MASAKAZU ȢĂ
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HEIGHT 6.4 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Probably one of the finest netsuke of this type. For more
information on Onna Daruma see no. 63.
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Netsuke from a European Collection, 8 May 2016, London, lot 130.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

60 | RAKUMIN: A RARE WOOD AND IVORY
NETSUKE OF A VISITING COURTESAN 62 | SHUZAN: A POLYCHROME AND
INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF DARUMA
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Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) %\ 1DJDPDFKL 6KX]DQ VLJQHG 6KX]DQ
Japan, Osaka, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A fine inlaid wood netsuke depicting a visiting courtesan, enveloped
in a thick robe, reminding one of Onna Daruma. She has a finely A boxwood netsuke colored in red, blue, green and gold depicting
inlaid ivory face, with two dimples on the forehead like Okame, and the Zen Patriarch Daruma entirely wrapped in women’s clothing
long black hair inlaid in dark wood. In front of her she holds a large and holding a hossu. Daruma’s face is inlaid in ivory with painted
hat, carved from dark wood and held in place by a peg, as if she was accents, as are his shoes on the underside. The backside with good,
KLGLQJ VRPHWKLQJ %HKLQG WKH KDW VKH KROGV D ILQHO\ FUDIWHG LYRU\ irregular himotoshi and signature in a wavy reserve SHUZAN ̠ͪ.
cane. Her sandaled feet as well are inlaid in ivory. Often this type of
netsuke would be gimmicked to reveal her naked body, like no. 59, HEIGHT 5.4 cm
however here one can only imagine what lies under her thick robe,
incised with minimalistic images of vines. The backside with good, Condition: The tip of both feet have been restored and there is
large himotoshi and the signature RAKUMIN ǐΦ located by her minor wear to the inlaid ivory face. Tiny chip to the hem of the robe.
side on the hem of her robe. Otherwise in good condition.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
HEIGHT 6.4 cm
Similarly to no. 63 the present netsuke is an allusion to the motif
Condition: Miniscule losses to the side of her sandaled feet. of Daruma and courtesans. An interpretation is that Daruma has
Otherwise excellent condition. switched clothes with a woman or he is attempting to sneak out of
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection. a brothel unnoticed.
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 600,-

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