OKATORI: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH A PEACH

OKATORI: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH A PEACH
By Okatori, signed Okatori 岡隹
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A finely carved ivory netsuke showing precisely incised hairwork and a very appealing yellowish patina. Depicted is a joyful male monkey, the eyes inlaid in reddish horn, holding a fruiting branch in his left hand, while fondling the peach with his other hand, the bony fingers carved very well. He looks up at the viewer (or perhaps the carver), grateful to have been given the peach, which is also a symbol of longevity. His expression, which certainly has anthropomorphous features, underlines Okatori's superior carving ability, which is discussed at length in Meinertzhagen / Lazarnick (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 622, Natural himotoshi and signature on the monkey's right buttock within a rectangular reserve OKATORI.

Okatori was an important member of the Kyoto school and brother to Yamaguchi Okatomo.

HEIGHT 4.2 cm

Condition: Very good, undamaged condition. The ivory slightly worn and with a good patina. Age cracks, one inlaid horn pupil is probably replaced.
Provenance: French private collection, purchased at Sotheby's, 22 November 1990, London, lot 22.
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