Ɏ AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF A CHINESE IMMORTAL WITH A GOURD

Lot details Unsigned Japan, first half of 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved from a section of the outer tusk, the immortal (most likely Chokaro sennin) hunched over as he embraces his magical double-gourd (hyotan). The immortal is dressed in a voluminous robe with billowing sleeves which fall and drape over his frame elegantly. Perfectly functional and generously excavated himotoshi to the back. The ivory with patches of naturally grown honey-gold patina. The curvature of the natural material, being carved from the curved outer section of the tusk, has imposed restrictions on the artist in regard to the subject matter and composition of the carving, and the artist has utilized this ‘scrap material’ to great effect. HEIGHT 6.1 cm Condition: Good condition with minor surface wear and very few age cracks. Provenance: Collection of Fritz Niescher, and thence by descent in the same family. Fritz Niescher (1889-1974) was a Chemnitz entrepreneur who built an impressive collection comprised of Japanese works of art and modern art. His extensive collection included works by Ernst Barlach and Otto Dix. Pieces from his collection have been part of traveling exhibits since his death, and many are housed today in the Ernst Barlach Haus in Hamburg. The horse is the familiar of Chokaro sennin, who is able to conjure the animal out of a gourd at will. The Japanese expression hyotan kara koma (lit. ‘a horse in the gourd’), refers to a completely unexpected event that actually comes to pass, akin to the flight of pigs in the English-speaking world. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number DE-DÜS231016-116).Unsigned Japan, first half of 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved from a section of the outer tusk, the immortal (most likely Chokaro sennin) hunched over as he embraces his magical double-gourd (hyotan). The immortal is dressed in a voluminous robe with billowing sleeves which fall and drape over his frame elegantly. Perfectly functional and generously excavated himotoshi to the back. The ivory with patches of naturally grown honey-gold patina. The curvature of the natural material, being carved from the curved outer section of the tusk, has imposed restrictions on the artist in regard to the subject matter and composition of the carving, and the artist has utilized this ‘scrap material’ to great effect. HEIGHT 6.1 cm Condition: Good condition with minor surface wear and very few age cracks. Provenance: Collection of Fritz Niescher, and thence by descent in the same family. Fritz Niescher (1889-1974) was a Chemnitz entrepreneur who built an impressive collection comprised of Japanese works of art and modern art. His extensive collection included works by Ernst Barlach and Otto Dix. Pieces from his collection have been part of traveling exhibits since his death, and many are housed today in the Ernst Barlach Haus in Hamburg. The horse is the familiar of Chokaro sennin, who is able to conjure the animal out of a gourd at will. The Japanese expression hyotan kara koma (lit. ‘a horse in the gourd’), refers to a completely unexpected event that actually comes to pass, akin to the flight of pigs in the English-speaking world. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number DE-DÜS231016-116).

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