ISSHU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO SUMO WRESTLERS
By Isshu, signed Isshu 一秀
Japan, probably Osaka, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The scene depicts two wrestlers engaged in a match, dressed only in a fundoshi, the one in the front executing the kawazu gaku technique (one leg entanglement drop), as he coils his leg around his opponent’s, effectively using his weight to topple him. The artist has captured this dynamic powershift with humor, typical for the Osaka school. The eyes are inlaid with large dark horn pupils further enforcing the caricatural nature of the carving. Himotoshi through the back and signed ISSHU within a rounded reserve.
HEIGHT 6 cm
Condition: Good condition. Fine patina. Age cracks.
Provenance:: Ex T. E. Beddard collection, sold at Christie’s, 14 April 1969, London, lot 12.
Lot details
By Isshu, signed Isshu 一秀
Japan, probably Osaka, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The scene depicts two wrestlers engaged in a match, dressed only in a fundoshi, the one in the front executing the kawazu gaku technique (one leg entanglement drop), as he coils his leg around his opponent’s, effectively using his weight to topple him. The artist has captured this dynamic powershift with humor, typical for the Osaka school. The eyes are inlaid with large dark horn pupils further enforcing the caricatural nature of the carving. Himotoshi through the back and signed ISSHU within a rounded reserve.
HEIGHT 6 cm
Condition: Good condition. Fine patina. Age cracks.
Provenance:: Ex T. E. Beddard collection, sold at Christie’s, 14 April 1969, London, lot 12.
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
By Isshu, signed Isshu 一秀
Japan, probably Osaka, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The scene depicts two wrestlers engaged in a match, dressed only in a fundoshi, the one in the front executing the kawazu gaku technique (one leg entanglement drop), as he coils his leg around his opponent’s, effectively using his weight to topple him. The artist has captured this dynamic powershift with humor, typical for the Osaka school. The eyes are inlaid with large dark horn pupils further enforcing the caricatural nature of the carving. Himotoshi through the back and signed ISSHU within a rounded reserve.
HEIGHT 6 cm
Condition: Good condition. Fine patina. Age cracks.
Provenance:: Ex T. E. Beddard collection, sold at Christie’s, 14 April 1969, London, lot 12.
Lot details
By Isshu, signed Isshu 一秀
Japan, probably Osaka, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The scene depicts two wrestlers engaged in a match, dressed only in a fundoshi, the one in the front executing the kawazu gaku technique (one leg entanglement drop), as he coils his leg around his opponent’s, effectively using his weight to topple him. The artist has captured this dynamic powershift with humor, typical for the Osaka school. The eyes are inlaid with large dark horn pupils further enforcing the caricatural nature of the carving. Himotoshi through the back and signed ISSHU within a rounded reserve.
HEIGHT 6 cm
Condition: Good condition. Fine patina. Age cracks.
Provenance:: Ex T. E. Beddard collection, sold at Christie’s, 14 April 1969, London, lot 12.
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
