7th Nov, 2025 13:00
Fine Netsuke & Sagemono
151
Ɏ IKKU: A MASTERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF AN EAGLE
€5,000
€10,000
A buyer’s premium of 30.00% (including VAT) applies to the hammer price of this lot if your bid is successful.
By Isamu Kasuya, signed Ikku 一空
Japan, Tokyo, 20th century
Published:
1. Netsuke Kenkyukai Study Journal (1988), vol 8, no. 4, p. 48.
2. Netsuke Kenkyukai Study Journal (1990), vol 10, no. 4, p. 26, fig. 18.
A remarkably dramatic and masterfully carved representation of an eagle dynamically caught in a whirlwind of its own creation, its wings powerfully unfurled, the feathers crisply and meticulously detailed with delicate linework capturing their natural layering. The bird’s powerful head is turned slightly downward, its sharp beak poised in alertness, and its eyes inlaid for a piercing, lifelike gaze. The wings sweep in a protective arc around the body, the talons, tightly grasping, emphasize the eagle’s predatory nature. Natural himotoshi and signed underneath within an oval reserve IKKU.
While the netsuke can perfectly stand on its own, there is a small fitted custom-made stand for presentation included.
HEIGHT 5.1 cm
Provenance: With Michael Spindel Ltd. Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, acquired from the above. A European private collection, acquired from the above.
Condition: Excellent condition.
Ikku is widely regarded as one of the greatest netsuke carvers of the 20th century. His output is fairly limited, and he preferred to never repeat subjects. He studied under the master carver Yasafusa Saito and was influenced heavily by Kaigyokusai Masatsugu of Osaka (mid-19th century).
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a crane by the same artist, signed Ikku, dated to the 20th century, 5.5 cm (height), at Lempertz, Japan II – Rüstung, Schwertschmuck, Netsuke, Inro, Sagemono, 7. December 2018, Cologne, lot 500 (sold for EUR 7,500 or approx. EUR 9,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).
Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 2-3 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.
By Isamu Kasuya, signed Ikku 一空
Japan, Tokyo, 20th century
Published:
1. Netsuke Kenkyukai Study Journal (1988), vol 8, no. 4, p. 48.
2. Netsuke Kenkyukai Study Journal (1990), vol 10, no. 4, p. 26, fig. 18.
A remarkably dramatic and masterfully carved representation of an eagle dynamically caught in a whirlwind of its own creation, its wings powerfully unfurled, the feathers crisply and meticulously detailed with delicate linework capturing their natural layering. The bird’s powerful head is turned slightly downward, its sharp beak poised in alertness, and its eyes inlaid for a piercing, lifelike gaze. The wings sweep in a protective arc around the body, the talons, tightly grasping, emphasize the eagle’s predatory nature. Natural himotoshi and signed underneath within an oval reserve IKKU.
While the netsuke can perfectly stand on its own, there is a small fitted custom-made stand for presentation included.
HEIGHT 5.1 cm
Provenance: With Michael Spindel Ltd. Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, acquired from the above. A European private collection, acquired from the above.
Condition: Excellent condition.
Ikku is widely regarded as one of the greatest netsuke carvers of the 20th century. His output is fairly limited, and he preferred to never repeat subjects. He studied under the master carver Yasafusa Saito and was influenced heavily by Kaigyokusai Masatsugu of Osaka (mid-19th century).
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a crane by the same artist, signed Ikku, dated to the 20th century, 5.5 cm (height), at Lempertz, Japan II – Rüstung, Schwertschmuck, Netsuke, Inro, Sagemono, 7. December 2018, Cologne, lot 500 (sold for EUR 7,500 or approx. EUR 9,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).
Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 2-3 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.
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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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