Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Superbly and intricately carved as an incense burner (koro) of compressed globular form, the feet and handles formed by mythical beasts to either side, the openworked cover with a rain dragon design, surmounted by a fierce shishi with bulging eyes, mouth wide open revealing sharp fangs, and flaming mane and tail. The shishi is of relatively large size compared to the koro and it is unclear whether the beast is merely a finial for the handle or a full-fledged shishi standing foursquare on the cover. Large himotoshi to the side and underside. HEIGHT 5.2 cm Condition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, few microscopic nicks. Fine, honey-gold patina. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris. There are only few netsuke of incense burners recorded, with none exhibiting the level of craftsmanship seen in the present lot, making this netsuke not only an early piece but an extremely rare one at that.
Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Superbly and intricately carved as an incense burner (koro) of compressed globular form, the feet and handles formed by mythical beasts to either side, the openworked cover with a rain dragon design, surmounted by a fierce shishi with bulging eyes, mouth wide open revealing sharp fangs, and flaming mane and tail. The shishi is of relatively large size compared to the koro and it is unclear whether the beast is merely a finial for the handle or a full-fledged shishi standing foursquare on the cover. Large himotoshi to the side and underside. HEIGHT 5.2 cm Condition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, few microscopic nicks. Fine, honey-gold patina. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris. There are only few netsuke of incense burners recorded, with none exhibiting the level of craftsmanship seen in the present lot, making this netsuke not only an early piece but an extremely rare one at that.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
