Page 91 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

102 | MITSUSHIGE: A POWERFUL IVORY
NETSUKE OF A TIGER
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Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The tiger is carved with a dynamically twisted neck and rubbery
paws which the tiger forcefully pushes in front of it. Its head is tilted
back and upwards, letting out a powerful roar. The eyes are inlaid
with dark horn pupils and surmounted by thick bushy eyebrows.
The hairwork is masterful and the characteristic tiger fur coat is
beautifully expressed. The thick tail curls up the tiger’s back and
touches its right ear. The underside shows the male genitals of the
tiger, the signature MITSUSHIGE ʾȶ in a rounded reserve on the
haunch and large deep himotoshi, with the other one to its side.
HEIGHT 4.1 cm
Condition: Very good condition with age cracks.
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A classic Mitsuharu model, made by Mitsuharu’s accomplished
pupil Mitsushige.
Auction comparison: Compare to a similarly dynamic model of a
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Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke, 8 November 2016, London, lot
113.
Compare also to a very similar tiger with cub by Mitsushige sold by
Zacke, Netsuke von Meistern – Ausstellung 1989, Vienna, no. 13.
Estimate EUR 8.000,-
Starting price EUR 4.000,-

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