Page 96 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

105 | HAKURYU: AN EXCEPTIONAL IVORY
NETSUKE OF A TIGER WITH TWO CUBS
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Japan, Kyoto, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A rather large, compact, dynamically crafted and remarkably HEIGHT 3.3 cm, LENGTH 4.6 cm
intricate ivory netsuke of a large female tiger with two cubs, one
climbing over her back and another being protected underneath Condition: Excellent condition with expected minor age cracks.
her body, one paw firmly placed on the cub. The mother’s body Provenance: French private collection.
is muscular with pronounced shoulder bones, and her entire
body is contorted into a circle, her thick tail swinging around over Hakuryu’s tigers are completely unique in their individuality, style and
her back, as she lets out a powerful snarl. The climbing cub is expression and matched only perhaps by the tigers by Matsushita
determined and bravely snarling, baring sharp rows of teeth, while Otoman. The existence of many imitations and copies of Hakuryu’s
the protected cub appears to be afraid with a whimsical expression. tiger(s) perhaps give this distinct type a bad reputation, however this
The dynamic of this netsuke is masterfully achieved, enhanced by netsuke is of superior quality and without a doubt by Hakuryu II, a
the swinging tails of the three tigers. pupil of the first Hakuryu who is said to have originated from the
Rantei school.
The fur coats are remarkable and naturalistic with stained dark
lines imitating the tiger’s fur pattern like wet running paint. Netsuke Literature comparison: For a similar netsuke with three tigers see The
carvers knew their tiger fur very well, however the actual image 0HLQHUW]KDJHQ &DUG ΖQGH[ RQ 1HWVXNH LQ WKH $UFKLYHV RI WKH %ULWLVK
of the tiger was often parodied or somewhat confused. As in this Museum Part A, Frederick Meinertzhagen (edited by George Lazarnick),
netsuke where the tiger’s bodies come across all powerful, however New York, 1986, page 120.
their expressions are comedic and rather docile. The eyes are inlaid Auction comparison: A similar netsuke with two tigers was sold by Zacke,
in mother of pearl with the pupils far apart. The underside with Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 27 April 2019, Vienna, lot 86.
well-carved clawed paws, natural himotoshi and the signature is in
a double gourd shaped reserve HAKURYU Ƀ؁ (meaning literally Estimate EUR 6.000,-
hundred dragons) on the mother tiger’s buttock. Starting price EUR 3.000,-

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