Beschreibung:

Katalognummer: NE1119-184 MASASADA: A POWERFUL AND RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF RAIJIN WITH DRUM By Masasada (Masakazu), signed Masakazu Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A powerful wood netsuke of the thunder god Raijin squatting, wearing a large drum strapped to his back and holding a geta in one hand. The oni is portrayed with a boldly carved muscular body and well-defined anatomy. In contrast, his facial features are humoristic, animated and imbued with originality and character – very typical for this rare artist. Raijin has inlaid eyes and horns, and the studs on the drum are inlaid as well. Good himotoshi through the deity’s back and the signature on the underside, slightly faded, in a rectangular reserve MASAKAZU 昌貞, however the artist is known as Masasada 昌貟. HEIGHT 3.8 cm Condition: Possibly a section of the left arm is lost, however it appears that he is putting his arm behind his back, beneath the drum. One inlaid horn is replaced. Beautiful patina. Provenance: British collection. Auction comparison: For a model of a tengu by this rare artist see Lempertz, Asiatische Kunst, 5 December 2015, Cologne, lot 761. Literature comparison: For a similar model of a Raijin see MCI page 430. For a discussion on the artist see International Netsuke Society Journal volume 30, no. 3, pages 22-26, where Jay Hopkins suggests that the artist is probably of Tanba origin. Schätzpreis 估價: € 2.000 Startpreis 起拍價: € 1.000 -