Ɏ DORAKU: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO WRESTLING DRUNKS

Lot details By Doraku, signed Doraku 道乐 Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Bandini, Rosemary (2001) Expressions of Style, Netsuke as Art, Scholten Japanese Art, New York, p. 27, no. 25. Bandini, Rosemary (2006) Tiny Titans, p. 58, no. 67. Lightly stained and finely carved depicting two kneeling drunks, slumped up against each other as they lock themselves in a sumo-like struggle. They are only wearing a fundoshi and their tonsured hair is drawn up into knotted mage. Each has a stubble stippled chin, and their hairy limbs are enhanced with a light sumi-e stain. Their left hands have both secured a belt grip, but one has also clinched his opponent’s neck in a headlock, the unfortunate underdog grimacing at his predicament. The overwhelming impression, though, is that neither really has the strength to bring their competition to a conclusion, their rather skinny bodies betraying an alcohol-induced lassitude. Natural himotoshi and signed within a wavy oval reserve – DORAKU. HEIGHT 3.4 cm, LENGTH 3.7 cm Condition: Very good condition. Some age cracks and wear to inked details. Provenance: Ex-collection Karl-Ludwig Kley. Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 71 (sold for EUR 10,980). A private collection, acquired from the above. Whereas the sumo wrestler is only permitted to touch the ground with his feet, this pair grapples with each other in a kneeling position. This along with their severely inebriated expressions points to this being a drunken game. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 24-B-0081).By Doraku, signed Doraku 道乐 Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Bandini, Rosemary (2001) Expressions of Style, Netsuke as Art, Scholten Japanese Art, New York, p. 27, no. 25. Bandini, Rosemary (2006) Tiny Titans, p. 58, no. 67. Lightly stained and finely carved depicting two kneeling drunks, slumped up against each other as they lock themselves in a sumo-like struggle. They are only wearing a fundoshi and their tonsured hair is drawn up into knotted mage. Each has a stubble stippled chin, and their hairy limbs are enhanced with a light sumi-e stain. Their left hands have both secured a belt grip, but one has also clinched his opponent’s neck in a headlock, the unfortunate underdog grimacing at his predicament. The overwhelming impression, though, is that neither really has the strength to bring their competition to a conclusion, their rather skinny bodies betraying an alcohol-induced lassitude. Natural himotoshi and signed within a wavy oval reserve – DORAKU. HEIGHT 3.4 cm, LENGTH 3.7 cm Condition: Very good condition. Some age cracks and wear to inked details. Provenance: Ex-collection Karl-Ludwig Kley. Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 71 (sold for EUR 10,980). A private collection, acquired from the above. Whereas the sumo wrestler is only permitted to touch the ground with his feet, this pair grapples with each other in a kneeling position. This along with their severely inebriated expressions points to this being a drunken game. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 24-B-0081).

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