Page 143 - Fine Japanese Art November 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

125 | A MONUMENTAL
AND RARE STATUE OF
A WHITE GYRFALCON
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

The majestic Falco Rusticolus
is departing from a T-shaped
landing pole, which itself rests on a
mahogany stand with four feet. The
bird of prey is carved from wood
and embellished overall with neatly
incised ivory feathers. The eyes are
inlaid in dark horn and mother-of-
pearl. The landing pole is entirely
covered with ivory segments, all
carved to imitate the natural wood
grain.
HEIGHT 77 cm

Condition: Excellent and fully
original condition with some old
wear, minor natural warping to
some inlays and few traces of
use. Very minor losses to inlays
and some age cracks. Small repair
where the pole connects to the
stand. 126 | A MASTERFUL AND MONUMENTAL
Provenance: British collection. IVORY OKIMONO OF A COCKATOO

The gyrfalcon is a bird of prey and Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
the largest of the falcon species. It
breeds in Japan and is a resident
there also, but some gyrfalcons The feathery bird is perched on a black burlwood stand, its talons tightly gripping a
disperse more widely after the branch. The bird is crafted with superior naturalism, the plumage is masterfully carved
breeding season, or in winter. and three-dimensional with neatly incised lines. The cockatoo has its head slightly lowered
Individual vagrancy can take birds and the large eyes are lacquered in black with inlaid silver rings for the pupils. The defining
for very long distances. Its plumage attributes of this exotic bird are the long tail feathers and the crest on the back of its head.
varies with location, with birds
being colored from all-white, like HEIGHT 62 cm with stand, 29 cm without stand
the present one, to dark brown.
These color variations are called Condition: Excellent condition with minor natural age cracks.
morphs. Like other falcons, it shows Provenance: British collection.
sexual dimorphism, with the female
much larger than the male. For The cockatoo is not native to Japan and was probably introduced by the Dutch. It became
centuries, the gyrfalcon has been a popular theme in Japanese art, perhaps most famously treated by the woodblock print
valued as a hunting bird in Japan. artist Ohara Shoson (1877-1945). This monumental sculpture was probably intended for a
Typical prey includes the ptarmigan Japanese World Fair during the Meiji period.
and waterfowl, which it may take
in flight. It also takes fish and Auction comparison: Compare to a near identical example
mammals. sold at Bonhams, Asian Art, 10 July 2013, Edinburgh, lot 21.

Estimate EUR 20.000,- Estimate EUR 30.000,- A Woodblock print by Ohara
Starting price EUR 10.000,- Starting price EUR 15.000,- Shoson depicting a Cockatoo

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