Katalognummer: NE1119-131 MASATSUGU: A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY PLAYING THE PIFFERO Workshop of Kaigyokusai Masatsugu (1813-1892), signed Masatsugu Japan, Osaka, second half of 19th century Monkeys from the workshop of the great Osaka carver Kaigyokusai Masatsugu are unmistakable. As in the present example, they have vivid expressions enhanced by inlaid eyes of amber with dark pupils, fine hairwork and superbly carved limbs with bony knuckles. Fine examples exist signed Masatsugu or Kaigyoku, though this incredibly rare ivory netsuke is the only example known of a monkey playing the piffero. The visibly delighted anthropomorphic monkey is shown blowing into the instrument tightly gripped with the bony knuckles of its four limbs. Signed MASATSUGU 正次 in a polished rounded reserve. Natural himotoshi. HEIGHT 2.8 cm, LENGTH 4.3 cm Condition: Very good condition, the hairwork is slightly worn. Provenance: Acquired by Vito Taverna from Eskenazi Ltd on 19 July 1979 for 600.000 Italian Lira. Copy of the inventory sheet is available. Auction comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke of a monkey by the same workshop sold at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 112. Schätzpreis 估價: € 4.000 Startpreis 起拍價: € 2.000 -
Katalognummer: NE1119-131 MASATSUGU: A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY PLAYING THE PIFFERO Workshop of Kaigyokusai Masatsugu (1813-1892), signed Masatsugu Japan, Osaka, second half of 19th century Monkeys from the workshop of the great Osaka carver Kaigyokusai Masatsugu are unmistakable. As in the present example, they have vivid expressions enhanced by inlaid eyes of amber with dark pupils, fine hairwork and superbly carved limbs with bony knuckles. Fine examples exist signed Masatsugu or Kaigyoku, though this incredibly rare ivory netsuke is the only example known of a monkey playing the piffero. The visibly delighted anthropomorphic monkey is shown blowing into the instrument tightly gripped with the bony knuckles of its four limbs. Signed MASATSUGU 正次 in a polished rounded reserve. Natural himotoshi. HEIGHT 2.8 cm, LENGTH 4.3 cm Condition: Very good condition, the hairwork is slightly worn. Provenance: Acquired by Vito Taverna from Eskenazi Ltd on 19 July 1979 for 600.000 Italian Lira. Copy of the inventory sheet is available. Auction comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke of a monkey by the same workshop sold at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 112. Schätzpreis 估價: € 4.000 Startpreis 起拍價: € 2.000 -
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
