AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A SNARLING SHISHI WITH BALL

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A SNARLING SHISHI WITH BALL

Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Of early triangular sankaku type, the seated shishi with a fierce expression, the eyes formed by encircled inlaid pupils of dark horn. The Buddhist lion has its head turned back in a typical attitude as it protects a large, smooth ball with all four paws, the mouth agape in a roar revealing sharp fangs. The back and underside with large and generously excavated himotoshi. The well-toned ivory bearing a gorgeous honey patina.

HEIGHT 4 cm

Condition: Very good condition with old wear and age cracks.
Provenance: Collection of Fritz Niescher, and thence by descent in the same family. Fritz Niescher (1889-1974) was a Chemnitz entrepreneur who built an impressive collection comprised of Japanese works of art and modern art. His extensive collection included works by Ernst Barlach and Otto Dix. Pieces from his collection have been part of traveling exhibits since his death, and many are housed today in the Ernst Barlach Haus in Hamburg.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of shishi, attributed to Mitsuharu, note the similar eyes with encircled inlaid pupils of dark horn, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke, 10 May 2017, London, lot 191 (sold for GBP 5,625).

Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number DE-DÃœS231016-125).

This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.