Ɏ MASATSUGU: AN AMUSING OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN LIFTING HIS TOAD

Lot details By Masatsugu, signed Masatsugu 正次 Japan, Osaka, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The humorous duo finely carved, the stout toad looking obstinate as the elder sennin, with a jovial expression on his face, attempts to lift the rotund amphibian. Wearing loose robes decorated with karakusa and opening at the chest, his mouth opening in a smile exposing finely incised teeth. The toad’s warty skin is finely stippled, its eyes double inlaid in reddish horn with dark pupils at the corners. Natural himotoshi and signed MASATSUGU within an oval reserve. The ivory is beautifully stained, typical for the Osaka school. HEIGHT 3.7 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear. 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. Museum comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke depicting a jovial Gama Sennin with the toad seated on his knee, by Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number M.91.250.222, formerly in the Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of Gama Sennin carrying his toad on his back, attributed to Masakazu, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 16 June 2023, Vienna, lot 358 (sold for EUR 3,120). Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number DE-DÜS231016-115).By Masatsugu, signed Masatsugu 正次 Japan, Osaka, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The humorous duo finely carved, the stout toad looking obstinate as the elder sennin, with a jovial expression on his face, attempts to lift the rotund amphibian. Wearing loose robes decorated with karakusa and opening at the chest, his mouth opening in a smile exposing finely incised teeth. The toad’s warty skin is finely stippled, its eyes double inlaid in reddish horn with dark pupils at the corners. Natural himotoshi and signed MASATSUGU within an oval reserve. The ivory is beautifully stained, typical for the Osaka school. HEIGHT 3.7 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear. 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. Museum comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke depicting a jovial Gama Sennin with the toad seated on his knee, by Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number M.91.250.222, formerly in the Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of Gama Sennin carrying his toad on his back, attributed to Masakazu, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 16 June 2023, Vienna, lot 358 (sold for EUR 3,120). Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number DE-DÜS231016-115).

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