Page 118 - Fine Japanese Art November 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

96 | DOICHI: AN IVORY
OKIMONO OF
KIYOHIME
Signed Doichi Sanjin with kakihan
Japan, late 19th century, Meiji
period (1868-1912)

The witch Kiyohime is depicted
seated on top of the Dojo-ji bell,
holding one strand of her long hair
which flows all the way down, while
she is ferociously grinning. Her
facial features are crafted very well,
and she is holding a mallet in her
right hand. The large bell features
lengthy inscriptions. To the side
there are three priests, two of them
hiding under a blanket and one is
holding up a rosary. The underside
shows the hiding priest Anchin and
the signature DOICHI sanjin and
kakihan.
HEIGHT 9.4 cm
Condition: The end-section of the
mallet is reattached. Otherwise
excellent original condition.
Provenance: British collection.

Estimate EUR 1.500,-
Starting price EUR 750,-

97 | JUTSUICHI: A SMALL
IVORY OKIMONO
OF ONI CARRYING A
WATER BUCKET

By Jutsuichi, signed Jutsuichi
Japan, second half of 19th century,
late Edo period (1615-1868) to
earlier Meiji period (1868-1912)

Finely carved and incised depiction
of oni, working hard to improve
his devilish image. Note the details
to his tobacco pouch, his curled
95 | AN IVORY OKIMONO hair and sharp teeth as well as the
OF KIYOHIME distinct texture of his loincloth.
The inscription on the pouch
Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) reads “beware of the fire” and the
signature is located in a polished
reserve on the oni’s behind
The witch Kiyohime is depicted with her scaly body wrapped around the bell of JUTSUICHI. The work is stylistically
Dojo-ji. She is ferociously snarling, her facial features crafted very well, and is close to Tomomasa.
holding a mallet in her right hand. Her long flowing hair is finely incised.
HEIGHT 8.2 cm
HEIGHT 9.4 cm
Condition: Good condition with
Condition: Excellent condition with minor expected surface wear. small loss to one toe and tiny
Provenance: British collection. natural age cracks. Nicely grown
patina with golden-brown color, the
In the legend of Kiyohime, the priest Anchin fell in love with the once beautiful ivory grain is well visible and adds
Kiyohime, but refrained from his passions, escaping from her which made nicely to the overall appearance of
Kiyohime transform into a dragon-like monster due to her rage. In her rage she this okimono.
belched a fire so great it not only melted the temple bell but also killed Anchin. Provenance: British collection.

Estimate EUR 1.200,- Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 600,- Starting price EUR 500,-

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