Page 66 - Fine Japanese Art November 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

46 | A RARE TANTO ATTRIBUTED TO JIKAN GANBUN

Unsigned, attributed to Jikan Ganbun
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Provenance: The present owner, a
German private collector, found this
lot in the attic of his grandparents
The scabbard and handle are made of finely carved stag antler 60 years ago while playing as a
and dark hardwood, the latter finely inlaid with eight minuscule child. He has kept it ever since.
ants, all made of neatly incised and gilt bronze. This design was
the ‘trademark’ of Jikan Ganbun, which is why the present work is Although for some years it has been recorded that Ganbun worked
attributed to him although it is unsigned. in Kyoto and Edo, he was at one time thought to have also lived and
worked in Iwami Province. He was an adept metalworker, renowned
LENGTH 27.5 cm (overall) for his meticulous, lifelike miniature ants with which he inlaid his
own carved netsuke, as well as adding to wood netsuke and works
Condition: Age cracks and some losses, both as visible on the of art by other makers.
images in the catalogue and online. One small piece of stag antler Note that it was not possible to remove the blade for cataloguing,
is loose. The blade has been polished and shows minimal traces of hence it is unknown if it is signed or not.
corrosion. The blade hinge bears minor scratches and the blade
does not retract entirely into the scabbard. Fine natural patina and Estimate EUR 1.200,-
wear overall. Starting price EUR 600,-

47 | A RARE SET OF KOZUKA

Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
HEIGHT of box 6.1 cm
A set of six kozuka inside a three-tiered wood box, each Condition: The box in good condition. The kozuka are in good
compartment split into two further compartments and lined with condition with associated wear.
fine fabric and fitted perfectly to hold the kozuka. They depict Provenance: From the collection of Alexander Popov in Novi Sad,
various scenes such as a a Shishi amongst peony, lucky gods, a Kingdom of Serbia, acquired between 1900-1920. 48 | HIROCHIKA: A MASTERFUL LARGE SUKASHI
ferocious dragon, a treasure ship, an image of Shoki and a samurai UCHIKOSHI SCHOOL TSUBA WITH FIVE RATS
scene. The materials are copper, gold and silver. The lid with a piece Estimate EUR 1.500,-
of fabric with a slightly worn inscription. Starting price EUR 750,- By Uchikoshi Hirochika, signed Hirochika with kao
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Carved in marugata shape in shibuichi and copper, with gilt details.
Five rats (nezumi) are depicted in various attitudes, the entire
composition carved in openwork (sukashi). The fur of the rats is
minutely incised, and the composition is dynamic and the individual
rats all depicted in movement, scratching themselves or sniffling
each other. Signed HIROCHIKA with characteristic kao. The two
hitsu are plugged.
SIZE 8.8 x 8.5 cm

Condition: Excellent condition with minor rubbing and wear.
Provenance: Swiss private collection.
The Uchikoshi school was founded by Konishi Bunshichi in the
beginning of the 19th century. One of his most famous students
was Hirochika.

Estimate EUR 2.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.000,-

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