A LARGE IVORY NETSUKE OF A BAYING KIRIN
A LARGE IVORY NETSUKE OF A BAYING KIRIN
Unsigned
Japan, in Kyoto style, probably 20th century
The fantastic mythical creature is baying with its neck extended and head raised, the large eye-pupils inlaid in dark horn. Its four hooves are placed firmly on the ground, its belly and neck are finely incised with reptile-like scales. Its powerfully sculpted body is covered with muscular tissue, like that of a shishi, and it has a long curling mane and a bushy tail which extends all the way up to its neck. Finely carved flames emanate from the kirin's sides and the defining attribute is of course its finely polished and curved horn. Large himotoshi through the reverse. A superbly carved copy from the 20th century, possibly even by the celebrated artist Tokisada Nakamura, best known under his artist name Masatoshi.
The kirin, derived from the Chinese mythical beast qilin, is one of the four divine creatures, the others being the dragon, phoenix, and turtle.
HEIGHT 11.3 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with simulated, inked age cracks.
Provenance: Formerly in an old Italian private collection, Milan, acquired c. 30 years ago from Eskenazi Ltd. (by repute).
Auction comparison:
Another late kirin in the style of the 18th century was sold by Zacke, Fine Japanese and Netsuke Art, 22 June 2019, Vienna, lot 273 (sold for 52.560 EUR).
Automatically translated by DeepL. To see the original version, click here.
View it on
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
A LARGE IVORY NETSUKE OF A BAYING KIRIN
Unsigned
Japan, in Kyoto style, probably 20th century
The fantastic mythical creature is baying with its neck extended and head raised, the large eye-pupils inlaid in dark horn. Its four hooves are placed firmly on the ground, its belly and neck are finely incised with reptile-like scales. Its powerfully sculpted body is covered with muscular tissue, like that of a shishi, and it has a long curling mane and a bushy tail which extends all the way up to its neck. Finely carved flames emanate from the kirin's sides and the defining attribute is of course its finely polished and curved horn. Large himotoshi through the reverse. A superbly carved copy from the 20th century, possibly even by the celebrated artist Tokisada Nakamura, best known under his artist name Masatoshi.
The kirin, derived from the Chinese mythical beast qilin, is one of the four divine creatures, the others being the dragon, phoenix, and turtle.
HEIGHT 11.3 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with simulated, inked age cracks.
Provenance: Formerly in an old Italian private collection, Milan, acquired c. 30 years ago from Eskenazi Ltd. (by repute).
Auction comparison:
Another late kirin in the style of the 18th century was sold by Zacke, Fine Japanese and Netsuke Art, 22 June 2019, Vienna, lot 273 (sold for 52.560 EUR).
Automatically translated by DeepL. To see the original version, click here.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
