UNSHO HAKURYU I: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A MALE TIGER AND CUB
By Unsho Hakuryu I, signed Hakuryu 白龍
Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A compact and dynamically crafted ivory netsuke depicting a snarling male tiger protectively shielding its somewhat frightened cub underneath its body, both paws firmly placed on the young’s back. The ivory is finely stained, attractively worn, and the tiger fur markings are naturalistically expressed throughout. The contorted body of the adult tiger almost forms a complete circle, the tail swings wildly up over the back – a characteristic trait of the artist. The eyes are not inlaid as usual with mother-of-pearl, but with dark horn pupils, nevertheless the idiosyncratic ‘Hakuryu expression’ is as distinct as ever. Also note the muscular body and pronounced shoulder bones. The underside with finely carved paws, one of them housing the slightly worn signature within a circular reserve HAKURYU.
HEIGHT 3.1 cm, LENGTH 4.1 cm
Condition: Very good condition, the ivory and staining slightly worn, particularly near the tails of the tigers.
Provenance: French private collection.
Auction comparison:
For another netsuke by the artist, recently sold in these rooms, see Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 27 March 2020, Vienna, lot 47 (sold for 15.990 EUR).
Lot details
By Unsho Hakuryu I, signed Hakuryu 白龍
Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A compact and dynamically crafted ivory netsuke depicting a snarling male tiger protectively shielding its somewhat frightened cub underneath its body, both paws firmly placed on the young’s back. The ivory is finely stained, attractively worn, and the tiger fur markings are naturalistically expressed throughout. The contorted body of the adult tiger almost forms a complete circle, the tail swings wildly up over the back – a characteristic trait of the artist. The eyes are not inlaid as usual with mother-of-pearl, but with dark horn pupils, nevertheless the idiosyncratic ‘Hakuryu expression’ is as distinct as ever. Also note the muscular body and pronounced shoulder bones. The underside with finely carved paws, one of them housing the slightly worn signature within a circular reserve HAKURYU.
HEIGHT 3.1 cm, LENGTH 4.1 cm
Condition: Very good condition, the ivory and staining slightly worn, particularly near the tails of the tigers.
Provenance: French private collection.
Auction comparison:
For another netsuke by the artist, recently sold in these rooms, see Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 27 March 2020, Vienna, lot 47 (sold for 15.990 EUR).
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
By Unsho Hakuryu I, signed Hakuryu 白龍
Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A compact and dynamically crafted ivory netsuke depicting a snarling male tiger protectively shielding its somewhat frightened cub underneath its body, both paws firmly placed on the young’s back. The ivory is finely stained, attractively worn, and the tiger fur markings are naturalistically expressed throughout. The contorted body of the adult tiger almost forms a complete circle, the tail swings wildly up over the back – a characteristic trait of the artist. The eyes are not inlaid as usual with mother-of-pearl, but with dark horn pupils, nevertheless the idiosyncratic ‘Hakuryu expression’ is as distinct as ever. Also note the muscular body and pronounced shoulder bones. The underside with finely carved paws, one of them housing the slightly worn signature within a circular reserve HAKURYU.
HEIGHT 3.1 cm, LENGTH 4.1 cm
Condition: Very good condition, the ivory and staining slightly worn, particularly near the tails of the tigers.
Provenance: French private collection.
Auction comparison:
For another netsuke by the artist, recently sold in these rooms, see Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 27 March 2020, Vienna, lot 47 (sold for 15.990 EUR).
Lot details
By Unsho Hakuryu I, signed Hakuryu 白龍
Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A compact and dynamically crafted ivory netsuke depicting a snarling male tiger protectively shielding its somewhat frightened cub underneath its body, both paws firmly placed on the young’s back. The ivory is finely stained, attractively worn, and the tiger fur markings are naturalistically expressed throughout. The contorted body of the adult tiger almost forms a complete circle, the tail swings wildly up over the back – a characteristic trait of the artist. The eyes are not inlaid as usual with mother-of-pearl, but with dark horn pupils, nevertheless the idiosyncratic ‘Hakuryu expression’ is as distinct as ever. Also note the muscular body and pronounced shoulder bones. The underside with finely carved paws, one of them housing the slightly worn signature within a circular reserve HAKURYU.
HEIGHT 3.1 cm, LENGTH 4.1 cm
Condition: Very good condition, the ivory and staining slightly worn, particularly near the tails of the tigers.
Provenance: French private collection.
Auction comparison:
For another netsuke by the artist, recently sold in these rooms, see Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 27 March 2020, Vienna, lot 47 (sold for 15.990 EUR).
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
