7th Nov, 2025 13:00
Fine Netsuke & Sagemono
107
A LARGE AND IMPRESSIVE WOOD NETSUKE OF A TIGER
€6,000
€12,000
A buyer’s premium of 30.00% (including VAT) applies to the hammer price of this lot if your bid is successful.
Unsigned
Japan, Kyoto or Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A bold and impressively bulky carving of a tiger, exuding dynamism and latent strength. The animal crouches watchfully, its massive paws tucked firmly beneath the body, while the head dips forward in tension as the long tail flicks irritably across the back and up to the hunched shoulders. The face is carved with a ferocious snarl, the energy of the pose suggesting both menace and alert vigilance. The coat markings, now softened with age, blend harmoniously with the rich patina developed through long handling. The eyes are inlaid, and a natural himotoshi is present.
SIZE 5.2 x 4.5 x 3.3 cm
Provenance: The Philip and Nancy Kotler Collection, Sarasota, Florida, United States. Philip and Nancy Kotler are distinguished collectors and philanthropists best known for their landmark contributions to the field of studio glass, including the creation of the Philip and Nancy Kotler Glass Collection at The Ringling and the opening of the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion in 2018. Beyond glass, the Kotlers cultivated a discerning interest in Asian art—particularly sword fittings, netsuke, and related objects—extending their patronage to institutions such as the Racine Art Museum and the Museum of Arts and Design. Philip Kotler, celebrated as the S.C. Johnson Distinguished Professor of International Marketing at Northwestern University and widely regarded as the “father of modern marketing,” together with Nancy Kotler, built a collection that reflects both scholarly passion and artistic vision.
Condition: One paw is restored. Otherwise good condition with minor wear and light traces of use, a few age cracks and losses to the inlaid eyes.
Auction comparison:
The present work is difficult to attribute to a specific hand, though it shares notable traits with the Kyoto and Osaka schools. Its bulk, spirited dynamism, and paw treatment recall works by masters such as Tomotada, Garaku, and Masanao of Kyoto, yet the overall conception remains highly individual. Perhaps the closest comparison is a rare and spirited wood netsuke of a tiger, unsigned, Kyoto, late 18th century, 4.4 cm high, with similarly powerful bulk and related paw carving, at Lempertz, Auktion 1249, 19 June 2024, Cologne, lot 440 (sold for EUR 22,680).
Unsigned
Japan, Kyoto or Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A bold and impressively bulky carving of a tiger, exuding dynamism and latent strength. The animal crouches watchfully, its massive paws tucked firmly beneath the body, while the head dips forward in tension as the long tail flicks irritably across the back and up to the hunched shoulders. The face is carved with a ferocious snarl, the energy of the pose suggesting both menace and alert vigilance. The coat markings, now softened with age, blend harmoniously with the rich patina developed through long handling. The eyes are inlaid, and a natural himotoshi is present.
SIZE 5.2 x 4.5 x 3.3 cm
Provenance: The Philip and Nancy Kotler Collection, Sarasota, Florida, United States. Philip and Nancy Kotler are distinguished collectors and philanthropists best known for their landmark contributions to the field of studio glass, including the creation of the Philip and Nancy Kotler Glass Collection at The Ringling and the opening of the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion in 2018. Beyond glass, the Kotlers cultivated a discerning interest in Asian art—particularly sword fittings, netsuke, and related objects—extending their patronage to institutions such as the Racine Art Museum and the Museum of Arts and Design. Philip Kotler, celebrated as the S.C. Johnson Distinguished Professor of International Marketing at Northwestern University and widely regarded as the “father of modern marketing,” together with Nancy Kotler, built a collection that reflects both scholarly passion and artistic vision.
Condition: One paw is restored. Otherwise good condition with minor wear and light traces of use, a few age cracks and losses to the inlaid eyes.
Auction comparison:
The present work is difficult to attribute to a specific hand, though it shares notable traits with the Kyoto and Osaka schools. Its bulk, spirited dynamism, and paw treatment recall works by masters such as Tomotada, Garaku, and Masanao of Kyoto, yet the overall conception remains highly individual. Perhaps the closest comparison is a rare and spirited wood netsuke of a tiger, unsigned, Kyoto, late 18th century, 4.4 cm high, with similarly powerful bulk and related paw carving, at Lempertz, Auktion 1249, 19 June 2024, Cologne, lot 440 (sold for EUR 22,680).
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Auction: Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 7th Nov, 2025
We're pleased to present our final Fine Netsuke & Sagemono Auction of the year.
The sale opens with a distinguished group of fine inro, representing a wide range of materials, lacquer techniques, and artistic styles. Among these, a particular highlight—and one of the most significant works to appear in our rooms in recent years—is the complete inrō set by Ogawa Haritsu, illustrating The Twelve Months. First published in 1928 (F. M. Jonas – Netsuke), this exceptional set now appears on the market for the first time (lot 11).
The inrō are followed by an excellent selection of sagemono, including notable examples by the esteemed artist Hasegawa Ikko (lots 68–73). Learn more.
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Viewing
3 - 6 November 2025
10 am - 6 pm
7 November
10 am - 12 pm
as well as by appointment
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