Page 148 - Fine Japanese Art November 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

127 | MARUKOSHI AND SENSHO: AN IMPORTANT
AND MONUMENTAL PAIR OF BRONZE
ELEPHANTS WITH INLAID TUSK VASES

The bronze by Marukoshi and the ivory tusk vases by Sensho,
signed Marukoshi and Sensho
Japan, early Meiji period (1868-1912)

Each elephant is cast from bronze of superb quality with extremely
fine incision work and molding, creating a highly naturalistic model
of an elephant. Both pachyderms are shown in a different attitude,
depicted in movement, swinging tail and swinging trunk. The tusks
are inlaid in ivory. Both elephants show the signature MARUKOSHI
underneath one of the feet. On the elephant’s back are waves
carved from wood and lacquered in red and black, the sprays
inlaid with mother-of-pearl and brass. On top of the waves sits a The set is completely original and was likely intended for one of the
finely carved lacquered stand with key fret and asanoha patterns, world exhibitions and fairs Japan participated in during the Meiji
the sides with metal and ivory finials. The stands are surmounted period, to show off its splendors after centuries of isolation policy.
by finely carved and embellished ivory tusk vases continuing the
aquatic theme of the composition. HEIGHT each 85 cm (with stand)
One tusk vase shows a procession with the dragon king of the Condition: Superb and original condition, other than extremely
sea Ryujin in the center surrounded by his attendants, all amidst minor wear to the lacquered wood there appears to be zero
swirling waves. Ryujin is wearing a dragon cap while his attendants damages.
have various aquatic creatures on their heads such as fugu, Provenance: British collection, with old provenance label inside the
crabs and octopuses. The carving shows superior detail at the tusk vase reading ‘Madame Lionel de Cailler’.
very highest level and is adorned with mother-of-pearl inlays. The
second tusk vase is similarly decorated and shows Ryujin’s daughter Auction comparison: For a very similar example by the same artist
Otohime surrounded by her attendants. She wears an oshidori see Sotheby’s, Art D’Asie, 13 June 2012, Paris, lot 249, sold for
(mandarin duck) cap and her attendants are presenting various 36.750 EUR. Only one elephant by Marukoshi, without the mounted
objects such as magical pearls (tama) and scrolls. The tusk vase with ivory tusk vase, was sold at Christie’s, Art D’Asie, 11 June 2008, Paris,
Ryujin is signed on an inlaid mother-of-pearl plaque SENSHO. Both lot 19, for 17.300 EUR.
tusk vases are mounted on a lacquered wood base in order to fit
onto the saddle of the elephants. Each elephant is set on a wood Estimate EUR 40.000,-
stand and thus each composition consists of four individual parts. Starting price EUR 20.000,-

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