Page 89 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

TIGER / TORA

The tiger (tora) is the third sign of the zodiac. 101 | A LARGE EARLY IVORY MANJU DIAMETER 5.3 cm, THICKNESS 2 cm
An emblem of physical power and courage, and often WITH TIGER AND BAMBOO
considered the earthly counterpart to the dragon. Condition: Very good condition with expected age cracks and
Unsigned beautiful honey patina.
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Provenance: Hungarian collection.
The motif take no tora (tiger in bamboo) is a symbol for strength
A thick and rather large ivory manju netsuke carved in shishiabori and resilience. The tiger has a strong nature, is flexible and resilient
(sunken relief) with a snarling tiger below stalks of leafy bamboo, like the bamboo, but it is also said that the strong tiger is looking
which are finely carved along the top. The design continues to for shelter underneath the bamboo, as any earthly power is inferior
the other side which also shows falling leaves. The entire manju is to the forces of nature. Moreover, the tiger and bamboo represent
99 | AN AMUSING WOOD NETSUKE covered in a very attractive honey patina, indicating an early piece. WKH SRZHU RI IDLWK LQ %XGGKLVP
OF A RECUMBENT TIGER Early manju are quite rare, as they became increasingly popular
only around the mid-19th century. Central himotoshi with an inset Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Unsigned peg for the cord attachment. Starting price EUR 750,-
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The image of this tiger is quite grotesque and comical. The tiger is
reclining, its head is curiously raised with a somewhat frightened
and impish expression. The eyes are inlaid in horn and appear
large, the mouth is slightly opened revealing rows of teeth which
evoke a feeling of pity rather than awe. The tail shows the tiger’s fur
coat pattern and elegantly curls up its back. The underside shows
the well-carved paws and large, generous himotoshi.
HEIGHT 2.5 cm, LENGTH 4 cm
Condition: The wood is slightly worn and shows an appealing
patina. Very good condition.
Provenance: French private collection, purchased from Galerie
<DPDWD %UXJHUROOHV LQ
Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

100 | AN IVORY OSAKA STYLE NETSUKE
OF A RECLINING TIGER

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

A grotesque image of a tiger in Osaka style with its head turned
backwards, letting out an amusingly ambiguous snarl. The tiger has
large eyes with inlaid pupils, its thick tail curls around its back and
the fur coat pattern is naturalistically rendered, especially visible on
the underside which shows an attractive yellowish patina with good
himotoshi.
LENGTH 5.2 cm

Condition: Very good condition, the inked fur is slightly worn in
some areas.
Provenance: European collection.
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-

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