Page 64 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

67 | A RARE STAG ANTLER 69 | A RARE STAG ANTLER NETSUKE
NETSUKE OF AN OCTOPUS OF KADORI MYOJIN TAMING A NAMAZU
Unsigned Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The octopus (tako) is seated on a rock, its wriggly tentacles The deity Kadori Hyojin is shown standing atop a namazu
intertwining and dangling down. The tako’s large head (earthquake fish), taming it with a large gourd – both the Namazu
is dominant in this piece, ideally rounded and smooth and Kadori seem contented by this event. The netsuke is carved
with the typical structure of the antler material appearing from a choice piece of tubular stag antler, with plugged sections
beautifully at the top and going downwards to its pressed in the top and bottom. The surface displays a beautiful aji (patina),
forward funnel-shaped mouth. It has an amusingly well-worn and smooth to the touch. Unusually, Kadori’s garment is
fierce-looking expression. The use of material is brilliant DGRUQHG ZLWK %XGGKLVW VZDVWLNDV 7KH KLPRWRVKL DUH FORVH WRJHWKHU
as the rest of the carving almost appears like ivory. The on the under- and backside.
section which was used is near the base of the antler,
with the base forming the head, therefore not needing to HEIGHT 4.6 cm
be plugged, which was carefully and smoothly polished.
The rockwork and tentacles are from the extending Condition: Very good condition. Plugged sections of the hollow stag
tubular section, which is hollow. It is possible that this antler.
netsuke was also used as a cane handle, though there are Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
natural himotoshi through the openworked section of the
tentacles. Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-
HEIGHT 6.4 cm
Condition: Very good condition.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.

Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

68 | A VERY RARE STAG ANTLER
NETSUKE OF A NAUTILUS IN SHELL
70 | A STAG ANTLER NETSUKE
Unsigned OF A MONKEY WITH CHESTNUT
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A rustic and relatively large stag antler netsuke of a
nautilus inside its shell. The cephalopod’s tentacles are
creeping across the opening and the shell is carved Carved from a tubular piece of stag antler, hollow in the center
with good detail in the top with rows of barnacles. The and with a plug on the top of its head, depicting a slightly stylized
himotoshi in the back exhibit considerable wear, showing monkey with amusingly large eyes, holding a chestnut. Spectacular
this is an early and used piece. Netsuke of nautiluses are patina indicating an early piece. One large himotoshi in the back
incredibly rare, and this may well be the only one recorded and the other natural through the hollow section of the antler.
now.
HEIGHT 5.5 cm
LENGTH 7.4 cm
Condition: Good condition, stunning patina. Plugged section of the
Condition: Very good condition with minor expected wear. hollow stag antler.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Estimate EUR 1.200,- Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 500,-

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