Beschreibung:

A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF CHOKARO SENNIN BY NAITO TOYOMASA (1773 – 1856) Katalognummer: NE1118-073 Wood netsuke Japan, Tanba first half of the 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A standing sennin (immortal), bare-foot, naked chest and belly, the characteristic garment of artemisia leaves draped over his shoulders and bottom: He holds a hyotan (bottle gourd), containing his horse, over his shoulder. Very powerful facial expression, dark-dyed wood, himotoshi on the reverse. Stylized signature TOYOMASA next to himotoshi on the left. The signature is very typical for this artist, who came from Tamba and lived between 1773 and 1856. The characters to the right of the signature are particularly interesting however and read SHUZAN zu “after a drawing by Shuzan”. This was one of the most important netsuke carvers in the 18th century, who designed and crafted very expressive netsuke sculptures, including sennin like this one. Most likely Toyomasa made this netsuke after a design by Shuzan, but as evident in this netsuke, carved it in his characteristic and unmistakable style. HEIGHT 5.4 CM Condition: One foot has been reattached at the bridge – otherwise in good condition Provenance: British private collection Auction comparison: A similar example of a Chokaro sennin by Naito Toyomasa was sold at Zacke, Japanische Netsuke, Vienna, July 1988, lot 26. Literature: Compare to another example of a Chokaro sennin by Naito Toyomasa in very similar style (also without inlaid eyes) in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, accession number 11.23632. Schätzpreis 估價: € 1.500 Startpreis 起拍價: € 750 -