Beschreibung:

AN UNUSUAL AND FINE IVORY NETSUKE IN THE FORM OF AN OPENABLE PEACH DEPICTING MOMOTARO BY SANEMASA Katalognummer: NE1118-153 Ivory netsuke Japan 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) This netsuke shows affinities with Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, and similar pieces are depicted on page 300-301 in the Meinertzhagen Card Index. Especially the unstained and carefully chosen piece of ivory shows affinities to this master, but also to Kagetoshi. The peach with leafage is hinged and openable, the inside revealing a densely carved depiction. Momotaro, the ‘peach boy’, is preparing with his companions, the dog, pheasant and monkey, to conquer Onigashima (island of ogres). The other side of the peach is carved in relief with a cart holding a banner and supplies. Signature SANEMASA on the underside of the stem, where the natural openings for himotoshi are present. It is possible, since the artist is unrecorded, that Sanemasa is a pseudonym. HEIGHT 3.8 CM Condition: Good condition. Small hairline through the outside of the fruit. Some glue residue to the hinge visible, however fully functional. Provenance: Collection of Sam Felton with CITES permit no. 18US59513C/9. Purchased at Sotheby’s Parke Bernet, New York, June 1975, lot 861. Auction comparison: A similar netsuke was sold at Zacke, ‘Netsuke aus der Sammlung Pignotti’, Vienna, 1998, lot 93. Schätzpreis 估價: € 2.000 Startpreis 起拍價: € 1.000 -