Page 125 - Fine Japanese Art November 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

104 | A MONKEY AND CRAB IVORY OKIMONO

Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Humorous and detailed carving of a monkey crying out in pain
as he is unexpectedly tweaked by two crabs, while trying to
grab a large lotus plant. The okimono references the legendary
battle between the monkey and crab. Note the finely inlaid
eyes of the monkey.
LENGTH 6 cm

Condition: Superb condition with only minor wear and minimal
age cracks. Good natural patina.
Provenance: From an English private estate.
Estimate EUR 1.000,-
Starting price EUR 500,-

106 | SHIGECHIKA: AN IVORY Literature comparison:
TABLE SCREEN WITH MONKEYS Compare with a related work
by the same artist, an ivory
105 | A FINE IVORY OKIMONO By Natsume Otosaku Shigechika, signed Shigechika fan decorated with monkeys
OF AN EAGLE AND MONKEY Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) appraising a painting, dated
1898, in the Michael Tomkinson
Japan, second half of 19th century, collection.
Edo period (1615-1868) to Meiji period Finely carved and incised to depict a monkey family terrified by an
(1868-1912) approaching wasp. Several more monkeys are found on the two Estimate EUR 2.500,-
drawers. A humorous sequel to the main depiction is eventually Starting price EUR 1.250,- Alexander Popov, ca. 1920
found on the backside, where the monkeys have found shelter
A small and very detailed stained ivory inside a large craggy rock, with the baffled wasp flying in circles
okimono depicting an eagle (washi) grabbing atop. Note the openwork border carvings with shishi, dragons,
a monkey (saru) between its talons. The phoenix and bats, all with finely inlaid eyes in black horn. The artist
individual expressions are masterfully signature SHIGECHIKA is found in a raised oval cartouche on the
carved, with inlaid eyes, and the monkey lower right side of the main screen.
clenches its hands and feet, visibly frightened
by the imposing eagle. The plumage of the SIZE 23 x 23 x 8 cm
eagle is dense, and the fur of the monkey is
neatly incised. Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear. Good natural
patina. Only one from a total of 18 inlaid eyes is lost.
HEIGHT 7.8 cm Provenance: From the collection of Alexander Popov in Novi Sad,
Kingdom of Serbia, acquired between 1900-1920. Thence by
Condition: Very good condition, one tiny chip descent.
to the one feather on the eagle’s head.
Provenance: British collection. Natsume Otosaku Shigechika is listed in the Ivory Carving Book
published by the Shoto Museum (Tokyo), as a member of the Tokyo
Estimate EUR 1.200,- Chokokai (Tokyo Carvers’ Association) between Meiji 37-29 (1904-
Starting price EUR 600,- 1906) whose address was Komagome, Hongo district, Tokyo. Monkeys hiding after the wasp attack

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