Page 80 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

ANIMALS OF THE JAPANESE ZODIAC

RAT / NEZUMI

The rat (nezumi) is the first animal in the zodiac and a symbol
of wealth, as when there was plenty of food there would be
plenty of rats – therefore the rat is also the companion of
Daikoku, patron of the merchants and god of wealth.

90 | IKKO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE
OF TWO RATS
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Japan, second half of 19th century

Carved from a reddish pale wood and depicting two charming rats,
the larger one eating a bean pod while the smaller one is sitting on
its haunches and about to climb on the larger rat. The fur is neatly
incised, and the large eyes are inlaid in lustrous black horn. The
underside shows the curling tails, natural himotoshi and signature
IKKO Ăʾ.

HEIGHT 3 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
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Auction comparison: Compare to another netsuke by Ikko depicting
WKUHH UDWV VROG E\ %RQKDPV )LQH -DSDQHVH $UW 0D\
London, lot 17.
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-

89 | A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD
NETSUKE OF TWO RATS 91 | A WOOD NETSUKE OF A RAT
WITH CHESTNUT
Unsigned
Japan, Nagoya, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A very fine netsuke, carved from dark cherry wood, and displaying
a beautiful aji (patina). Depicted is a large rat with its offspring A charming study of a rat (nezumi) holding a large chestnut. The
nestling up to it, its paws protectively placed on the young rat, rat has full chubby cheeks, large eyes inlaid in horn and the ears
forming a compact composition. The hairwork is masterful and the are in an alert position. The fur is neatly incised and the thick, finely
large eyes are inlaid in lustrous black horn. The underside shows carved tail curls around over the rodent’s back. The underside with
the curling tails and paws. Natural himotoshi. himotoshi through the chestnut.
HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 4 cm HEIGHT 3.2 cm, LENGTH 4 cm

Condition: Excellent condition. Condition: One plus-shaped crack to the side of the rat. Otherwise
3URYHQDQFH %ULWLVK SULYDWH FROOHFWLRQ FRPLQJ ZLWK WZR YDOXDWLRQV very good condition.
from Neil K. Davey from 1974 & 1984, collection no. 107. 3URYHQDQFH %ULWLVK SULYDWH FROOHFWLRQ
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,- Starting price EUR 500,-

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