JITSUGA: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF JO AND UBA INSIDE A CLAM
By Jitsuga, signed Jitsuga 雅真
Japan, Tokyo, second half of 19th century
Carved from two parts to naturalistically resemble a hamaguri clam shell, hinged in the back and when opened revealing a plethora of minutely detailed, microscopic carving. One half of the shell is finely carved inside with an image of Jo and Uba, holding a rake and broom respectively, and standing underneath a pine tree, a minogame at their feet. The other half is carved in relief with cranes, waves and the moon. Signed on the outside next to the himotoshi – JITSUGA.
According to Miriam Kinsey in her book on contemporary netsuke, Jitsuga was the third master of the school of Hakumin of Edo and originated the ivory clamshell with detailed inside carving. Similar examples exist by members of the school of Kaiygokusai Masatusugu of Osaka.
LENGTH 4.5 cm
Condition: Superb condition. Only the two parts need to be attached to the hinge and are now loose.
Provenance: French private collection.
Auction comparison:
For two similar netsuke signed Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, see Bonhams, the Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 28 (sold for 3.500 GBP), and Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2009, London, lot 170 (sold for 3.600 GBP). Another netsuke by Jitsuga (erroneously described as Sanemasa, which is another reading for Jitsuga) was sold by Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 24 November 2018, Vienna, lot 153 (sold for 3.942 EUR). Furthermore, Jitsuga also appears to have provided carving for a snuff bottle, see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2011, London, lot 268 (sold for 7.200 GBP).
Lot details
By Jitsuga, signed Jitsuga 雅真
Japan, Tokyo, second half of 19th century
Carved from two parts to naturalistically resemble a hamaguri clam shell, hinged in the back and when opened revealing a plethora of minutely detailed, microscopic carving. One half of the shell is finely carved inside with an image of Jo and Uba, holding a rake and broom respectively, and standing underneath a pine tree, a minogame at their feet. The other half is carved in relief with cranes, waves and the moon. Signed on the outside next to the himotoshi – JITSUGA.
According to Miriam Kinsey in her book on contemporary netsuke, Jitsuga was the third master of the school of Hakumin of Edo and originated the ivory clamshell with detailed inside carving. Similar examples exist by members of the school of Kaiygokusai Masatusugu of Osaka.
LENGTH 4.5 cm
Condition: Superb condition. Only the two parts need to be attached to the hinge and are now loose.
Provenance: French private collection.
Auction comparison:
For two similar netsuke signed Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, see Bonhams, the Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 28 (sold for 3.500 GBP), and Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2009, London, lot 170 (sold for 3.600 GBP). Another netsuke by Jitsuga (erroneously described as Sanemasa, which is another reading for Jitsuga) was sold by Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 24 November 2018, Vienna, lot 153 (sold for 3.942 EUR). Furthermore, Jitsuga also appears to have provided carving for a snuff bottle, see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2011, London, lot 268 (sold for 7.200 GBP).
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
By Jitsuga, signed Jitsuga 雅真
Japan, Tokyo, second half of 19th century
Carved from two parts to naturalistically resemble a hamaguri clam shell, hinged in the back and when opened revealing a plethora of minutely detailed, microscopic carving. One half of the shell is finely carved inside with an image of Jo and Uba, holding a rake and broom respectively, and standing underneath a pine tree, a minogame at their feet. The other half is carved in relief with cranes, waves and the moon. Signed on the outside next to the himotoshi – JITSUGA.
According to Miriam Kinsey in her book on contemporary netsuke, Jitsuga was the third master of the school of Hakumin of Edo and originated the ivory clamshell with detailed inside carving. Similar examples exist by members of the school of Kaiygokusai Masatusugu of Osaka.
LENGTH 4.5 cm
Condition: Superb condition. Only the two parts need to be attached to the hinge and are now loose.
Provenance: French private collection.
Auction comparison:
For two similar netsuke signed Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, see Bonhams, the Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 28 (sold for 3.500 GBP), and Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2009, London, lot 170 (sold for 3.600 GBP). Another netsuke by Jitsuga (erroneously described as Sanemasa, which is another reading for Jitsuga) was sold by Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 24 November 2018, Vienna, lot 153 (sold for 3.942 EUR). Furthermore, Jitsuga also appears to have provided carving for a snuff bottle, see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2011, London, lot 268 (sold for 7.200 GBP).
Lot details
By Jitsuga, signed Jitsuga 雅真
Japan, Tokyo, second half of 19th century
Carved from two parts to naturalistically resemble a hamaguri clam shell, hinged in the back and when opened revealing a plethora of minutely detailed, microscopic carving. One half of the shell is finely carved inside with an image of Jo and Uba, holding a rake and broom respectively, and standing underneath a pine tree, a minogame at their feet. The other half is carved in relief with cranes, waves and the moon. Signed on the outside next to the himotoshi – JITSUGA.
According to Miriam Kinsey in her book on contemporary netsuke, Jitsuga was the third master of the school of Hakumin of Edo and originated the ivory clamshell with detailed inside carving. Similar examples exist by members of the school of Kaiygokusai Masatusugu of Osaka.
LENGTH 4.5 cm
Condition: Superb condition. Only the two parts need to be attached to the hinge and are now loose.
Provenance: French private collection.
Auction comparison:
For two similar netsuke signed Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, see Bonhams, the Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 28 (sold for 3.500 GBP), and Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2009, London, lot 170 (sold for 3.600 GBP). Another netsuke by Jitsuga (erroneously described as Sanemasa, which is another reading for Jitsuga) was sold by Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 24 November 2018, Vienna, lot 153 (sold for 3.942 EUR). Furthermore, Jitsuga also appears to have provided carving for a snuff bottle, see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2011, London, lot 268 (sold for 7.200 GBP).
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
