Page 134 - Fine Japanese Art November 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

114 | MASAYOSHI: A FINE IVORY 115 | SHIZUHARU: AN
OKIMONO-NETSUKE OF A IVORY OKIMONO OF
FRUSTRATED RAT CATCHER A TEMPLE SERVANT
WITH RAT
By Masayoshi, signed Masayoshi (Seikei) to
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) By Shizuharu, signed Shizuharu
(Jyoshun)
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
The rat catcher, equipped with a large club, is holding down a box with one
hand in an effort to catch the rat, which has escaped onto his back. He is
visibly frustrated, as he is exclaiming while turning his head and looking at the Detailed carving enhanced by
innocent rat which has eluded him. The rat (nezumi) is a symbol of wealth and fine incision work. Depiction of a
the companion of the lucky god Daikoku. That may explain why rat catchers had servant as he picks up a temple
such a bad reputation, since he is usually depicted emaciated, ugly and demonic, lantern, crying out in shock because
as in the present carving. All eyes inlaid in dark horn, and the signature on the of a clandestine rat hidden inside
underside MASAYOSHI (Seikei). the luminary. Artist signature
SHIZUHARU to base.
HEIGHT 4.3 cm, LENGTH 5.5 cm
HEIGHT 7.5 cm
Condition: Very good condition with expected age cracks, one larger one through
the front of the club. Condition: Superb condition with
Provenance: British collection. only minor wear! Good natural
patina.
Auction comparison: Compare a near identical example sold at Zacke, Fine Provenance: From an English
Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 27 April 2019, Vienna, lot 149. private estate.
Estimate EUR 2.000,- Auction comparison: For another
Starting price EUR 1.000,- okimono by the artist see Bonhams,
Fine Japanese Art, 6 November
2012, London, lot 332.
Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-

116 | SEIDO: IVORY
OKIMONO OF A RAT
CATCHER WITH BIJIN

By Seido, signed Seido
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Highly detailed carving enhanced
by fine incision work. Depiction of a
rat catcher holding a cage while the
rat, subject of the hunt, is escaping
across his shoulder. A noble lady,
probably the client, is watching in
despair. Artist signature SEIDO to
base.
HEIGHT 7.5 cm

Condition: Good condition with only
minor wear and one small loss. Fine
natural patina.
Provenance: From an English
private estate.

Estimate EUR 1.200,-
Starting price EUR 600,-

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