Page 70 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

76 | A VERY RARE MARINE IVORY 77 | A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF
NETSUKE OF A BELL PEPPER THE THREE FRIENDS OF WINTER

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

Carved from marine ivory, the netsuke depicts a well-formed bell Depicting the three friends of winter, the bamboo, pine and plum.
pepper, which evokes a synesthetic response – the image of the Symbolizing resilience, the three plants merge together to form
overly ripe, almost bursting bell pepper arouses a sense of smell one beautiful netsuke, probably serving as a charm of strength and
and taste. The stem is made of silver and the top and bottom part endurance. The motif is taken from China and is regarded high in
of the bell pepper is stippled. Large himotoshi through one side. Confucianism. It was celebrated by the Chinese, as they observed
that these three plants do not wither in winter. Natural himotoshi.
TOTAL LENGTH 7 cm, LENGTH without stem 6.4 cm
HEIGHT 4.9 cm
Condition: The netsuke shows an appealing patina with yellow
discoloration due to age and wear. Natural flaws in the marine ivory Condition: Very good condition.
and a few age cracks. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Auction comparison: Compare to a boar-tooth netsuke of a chili Starting price EUR 500,-
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Netsuke, 15 May of 2019, lot 42.
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

78 | A WOOD NETSUKE OF
THIRTEEN CHESTNUTS
Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

An unusually large amount of chestnuts (kuri), thirteen to be exact,
clustered together forming an ideally rounded netsuke. The patina
is appealing, shades of dark brown, and smooth to the touch.
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Natural himotoshi.
LENGTH 4.1 cm

Condition: Excellent condition with appealing patina.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
Estimate EUR 800,-
Starting price EUR 400,-

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