MASATOMO: A SUPERB NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF AN OCTOPUS IN SURIBACHI
MASATOMO: A SUPERB NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF AN OCTOPUS IN SURIBACHI
By Masatomo, signed Masatomo ko 正友 工
Japan, Nagoya, first half of the 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The octopus (tako) tightly nestled into a shallow mortar (Suribachi), its tentacles forming a dense bundle around its body and head, the many suction cups remarkably detailed and well carved, the face comical with large eyes inlaid in dark horn, the funnel-shaped mouth pressed forward in an amusing gesture. The mortar ribbed to the interior and worked in sublime, yet subtle ukibori to the exterior. Asymmetrical himotoshi to the base and signed MASATOMO ko.
LENGTH 4.5 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Old repair to a section of tentacle on the head.
Auction comparison:
Considering both artists work, it is very likely that Masatomo was associated with Ikkyu of Nagoya. Compare a related wood netsuke of an octopus in a pot, by Ikkyu, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 106 (sold for EUR 24,016). Compare a closely related octopus in a pot, by Masatomo, at Bonhams, The Julius & Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part I, 8 November 2016, London, lot 156 (sold for GBP 4,000).
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MASATOMO: A SUPERB NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF AN OCTOPUS IN SURIBACHI
By Masatomo, signed Masatomo ko 正友 工
Japan, Nagoya, first half of the 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The octopus (tako) tightly nestled into a shallow mortar (Suribachi), its tentacles forming a dense bundle around its body and head, the many suction cups remarkably detailed and well carved, the face comical with large eyes inlaid in dark horn, the funnel-shaped mouth pressed forward in an amusing gesture. The mortar ribbed to the interior and worked in sublime, yet subtle ukibori to the exterior. Asymmetrical himotoshi to the base and signed MASATOMO ko.
LENGTH 4.5 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Old repair to a section of tentacle on the head.
Auction comparison:
Considering both artists work, it is very likely that Masatomo was associated with Ikkyu of Nagoya. Compare a related wood netsuke of an octopus in a pot, by Ikkyu, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 106 (sold for EUR 24,016). Compare a closely related octopus in a pot, by Masatomo, at Bonhams, The Julius & Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part I, 8 November 2016, London, lot 156 (sold for GBP 4,000).
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Time, Location
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