Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Derived from a Malayan kris handle, finely carved as a devil seated on a rocky base amid clouds, the arms folded in front of the chest. His long, curly hair and beard are similarly carved to the clouds. The face with a fierce expression marked by large eyes, a broad nose, and wide-open mouth. Large himotoshi through the back and underside. HEIGHT 6.2 cm Condition: Good condition, appealingly worn. Minor natural age cracks, few minuscule nicks and light scratches. Fine, honey-gold patina. Provenance: French private collection. A design for a foreign devil that is very similar to the present netsuke is illustrated in the Soken Kisho. Literature comparison: Compare to two wood netsuke in Joly, Henri L. (1966) W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, nos. 3422-3423 – one a repurposed Kris handle similar to the present netsuke and the other a copy accredited to Yoshimura Shuzan. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a Malayan kris handle, also dated to the 18th century, at Sotheby’s, Netsuke from the Collection of Raymond and Frances Bushell, 18 November 1999, London, lot 104 (sold for 1,495 GBP). Compare also a related painted wood netsuke of a Malayan demon at Sotheby’s, The Carlo Monzino Collection of Netsuke, Inro and Lacquer, 21 June 1995, London, lot 6 (sold for 8,050 GBP).
Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Derived from a Malayan kris handle, finely carved as a devil seated on a rocky base amid clouds, the arms folded in front of the chest. His long, curly hair and beard are similarly carved to the clouds. The face with a fierce expression marked by large eyes, a broad nose, and wide-open mouth. Large himotoshi through the back and underside. HEIGHT 6.2 cm Condition: Good condition, appealingly worn. Minor natural age cracks, few minuscule nicks and light scratches. Fine, honey-gold patina. Provenance: French private collection. A design for a foreign devil that is very similar to the present netsuke is illustrated in the Soken Kisho. Literature comparison: Compare to two wood netsuke in Joly, Henri L. (1966) W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, nos. 3422-3423 – one a repurposed Kris handle similar to the present netsuke and the other a copy accredited to Yoshimura Shuzan. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a Malayan kris handle, also dated to the 18th century, at Sotheby’s, Netsuke from the Collection of Raymond and Frances Bushell, 18 November 1999, London, lot 104 (sold for 1,495 GBP). Compare also a related painted wood netsuke of a Malayan demon at Sotheby’s, The Carlo Monzino Collection of Netsuke, Inro and Lacquer, 21 June 1995, London, lot 6 (sold for 8,050 GBP).
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
