Beschreibung:

Katalognummer: NE0320-136 IKKOSAI: AN UNUSUAL AND RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A DOG, MONKEY AND HARE By ‘Saru Ikkosai’, signed Ikkosai Japan, Edo, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Rimondi, Gianni / Zacke, Lukas: Combien de Ikkosai. Part 2. In: International Netsuke Society Journal, Vol. 39, no. 3, Fall 2019, page 30, fig. 25. A very unusual, perhaps even unique, shunga-esque netsuke depicting a monkey grabbing a dog from behind who wrestles a hare, pressing it against the floor. The monkey’s eyes are double inlaid with pale and dark horn, his expression is very amusing, and the fur coat is incised but heavily worn. The dog is crafted in typical Ikkosai manner, comparable to no. 135, and the hare’s eyes are inlaid in reddish horn. A lively, dynamically crafted composition. The subject most likely relates to the two companions of the golden boy Kintaro engaged in a wrestling match, and the addition of the dog appears to be an artistic license of Ikkosai. Natural himotoshi and signature IKKOSAI 一 光齋 on the underside. The ivory has developed a stunning honey patina. LENGTH 4 cm Condition: Worn condition with age cracks, small chip to the edge of the hare’s foot. Good condition. Provenance: Collection of the author, purchased at Woolley and Wallis, Japanese & Korean Art, 23 May 2018, Salisbury, lot 864 (2.250 GBP). For more information on the artist see INSJ Vol.39, no. 3, Fall 2019, pp. 29-34. Schätzpreis 估價: € 2.500 Startpreis 起拍價: € 1.250 -