Page 65 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

71 | AN ASAKUSA SCHOOL STAG ANTLER
NETSUKE OF A DRAGON MOKUGYO

Unsigned
Japan, Edo, Asakusa school, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A stag antler netsuke of manju form depicting a mokugyo, the handle carved
with confronting one-horned dragon heads contesting a single tama (magical
pearl) between their mouths. The sides with finely carved manes with
flaring curls on both sides and scales on one side. The material is beautiful,
displaying a good aji (patina) coupled with porous sections, giving it a unique
appeal which only stag antler can create. The reverse with one circular and
one large oval himotoshi.
HEIGHT 4.6 cm

Condition: Very good condition.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
The mokugyo (literally wooden fish) is a type of percussion instrument often
used in temples.
This type was made across the board of Asakusa school artists, so it is difficult
to name an artist, see for example a mokugyo by Kokusai in Kokusai the
Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, Sydney L. Moss Ltd., 2016, no. 123.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-
73 | AN EXCELLENT MIXED METAL
AND STAG ANTLER NETSUKE
OF A SNAIL AND ACORNS
Unsigned
Japan, Asakusa, mid to late 19th century
72 | AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A BAKU HEADED
MOKUGYO IN THE STYLE OF GYOKUMIN
What a feat to carve a snail in such a way out of iron! The snail is
Unsigned, style of Gyokumin (1800-1868)
carved with a spiraling shell with applied gold accents in nunome
Japan, Asakusa, mid to late 19th century, Edo period
zogan appearing like strokes from a golden brush. The wrinkly
(1615-1868)
skin of the snail is achieved brilliantly, with little dents in the iron
masterfully mimicking the natural structure of snail skin. The snail
is fitted into an openworked stag antler bowl depicting a branch
Depicted is a mokugyo temple bell with the handle shaped like the head of
of acorns and it appears to be slithering across the leaves. The
a baku with large inlaid eyes, small tusks, its tongue sticking outwards and
decaying of the leaves is achieved very well, and the material of
a dominant long curling snout. Swirling flame-like curls trail down from its
antler is used magnificently in this respect. The himotoshi in the
neck to both sides of the temple bell. The underside with the characteristic
backside are brilliantly incorporated into the structure. Asakusa
opening of the mokugyo. Natural himotoshi.
school.
HEIGHT 5.3 cm
HEIGHT 3.7 cm, LENGTH 4.4 cm
Condition: Generally good but used and worn condition with age cracks.
Condition: Superb condition.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
The baku is believed to eat bad dreams and is therefore used as a talisman
Estimate EUR 2.500,-
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Starting price EUR 1.250,-
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Literature comparison: For similar works by Gyokumin see Kokusai the
Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, Sydney L. Moss, Ltd., 2016, nos.
473-478.
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-
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