Page 86 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

OX / USHI

The ox (ushi) is the second sign of the zodiac and is an emblem of
spring and agriculture. It also serves as a talisman against diseases.

96 | A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF A
RECUMBENT OX LICKING ITS NOSE 97 | MITSUCHIKA: A LARGE AND RARE
ATTRIBUTED TO RISUKE GARAKU WALRUS IVORY NETSUKE OF
A RECUMBENT COW WITH CALF
Unsigned, attributed to Risuke Garaku
Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) %\ 0LWVXFKLND VLJQHG 0LWVXFKLND
Japan, Kyoto or Edo, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Published: %DUU\ 'DYLHV 2ULHQWDO $UW 1HWVXNH IURP WKH 7HGG\
Hahn Collection, London, 1996, no. 80.
A large and bulky model of a recumbent cow with her calf snuggling
up to her and licking her face, their eyes inlaid in dark horn. The
Powerfully carved as a recumbent ox with its tongue sticking out. material that was used for this powerful carving is a thick section of
The rope halter which passes through its nose is carefully carved walrus tusk – a difficult material with many inclusions, as visible in
and extends over the ox’s back. The body shape of the ox is carved this netsuke. Still, the details in this carving are sublime. The rope
remarkably well, bold of design and bulky with sharp and strong halter that passes through the nose over the back, is carved crisply.
contours. The fur is finely incised and characteristically worn. The The hairwork is fine and the body proportions of the cow are
underside with finely carved tucked in legs and a beautiful rich boldly carved, conveying the weight of this large animal very well. In
yellow patina, as well as large, coherent himotoshi. contrast, the young calf is carved sensitively. The underside shows
the many hooves and large and generously deep himotoshi, as well
LENGTH 5.5 cm as the signature MITSUCHIKA ʾʡ in a wavy reserve.
Condition: Very good condition. The ivory worn with expected age LENGTH 6.5 cm
cracks.
Provenance: Ex Teddy Hahn Collection. Condition: Excellent condition with expected wear and age cracks.
Provenance: European collection.
Risuke Garaku of Osaka, one of the few artists mentioned in the
Soken Kisho, was a bold and powerful carver from the latter half Meinertzhagen writes that it is probable that Mitsuchika was a
of the 19th century. Some of his designs, like the present netsuke, student of Mitsuharu of Kyoto, due to his distinct Kyoto style oxen
strongly suggest Kyoto school. and use of the character Mitsu ʾ. However, the wavy reserve and
the addition of the character Chika ʡ, may suggest the Tomochika
Auction comparison: For another netsuke attributed to Garaku of school of Edo. Perhaps the carver learned his craft in Kyoto and
VLPLODU GHVLJQ VHH %RQKDPV 7KH (GZDUG :UDQJKDP &ROOHFWLRQ RI subsequently moved to Edo.
Japanese Art, 6 November 2013, London, lot 60.
Literature comparison: Compare to another netsuke of a
Literature comparison: For another model of an ox licking its nose recumbent ox with boy by Mitsuchika in Lazarnick, George, Netsuke
see F. Meinertzhagen, MCI Part A, New York, 1986, page 70. and Inro Artists, Honolulu 1982, p. 772.
Estimate EUR 3.000,- Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,- Starting price EUR 1.500,-

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