1st Dec, 2023 13:00
Fine Japanese Art
169
Ɏ SOKO: A CHARMING IVORY OKIMONO OF A SARUMAWASHI AND MONKEY
Sold for €1,300
including Buyer's Premium
By Soko (Munehiro), signed Soko
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
The sarumawashi (monkey performer) dressed in typical attire, his robe very finely carved and decorated with various patterns, his show-monkey standing next to him leaning against a bundle. The monkey dressed in a short coat dancing to the beat of the drum as the sarumawashi looks on, a shared expression of enthusiastic delight on the faces of both. A second monkey costume with a shishi hood, perhaps part of the second act, resting near the drum. The scene carved with delightful charm and humor; the expressions captured perfectly. Signed on a red-lacquer tablet SOKO.
LENGTH 6 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear.
Provenance: From a private collection in Belgium, published in the commissioned private catalogue ‘The Nibajama collection’ no: 176.
Sarumawashi (monkey performers) evolved over a 1000-year history in Japan, the earliest attestation being during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Ancient Japanese chronicles refer to it as a form of religious ritual designed to protect the horses of warriors. It later developed into a popular form of festival entertainment and was performed all over Japan from temples to imperial courts. During the Edo period (1615-1868) they were active throughout Japan, touring both rural areas and the great cities. Today, Sarumawashi is ranked alongside Noh and Kabuki as one of the oldest and most traditional of Japan's performing arts. It features acrobatic stunts and comedic skits performed by highly trained macaque monkeys.
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related ivory okimono of a sarumawashi, signed Yukihira, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 6 November 2012, London, lot 344 (sold for GBP 2,125).
Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 2023/BE00295/CE).
By Soko (Munehiro), signed Soko
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
The sarumawashi (monkey performer) dressed in typical attire, his robe very finely carved and decorated with various patterns, his show-monkey standing next to him leaning against a bundle. The monkey dressed in a short coat dancing to the beat of the drum as the sarumawashi looks on, a shared expression of enthusiastic delight on the faces of both. A second monkey costume with a shishi hood, perhaps part of the second act, resting near the drum. The scene carved with delightful charm and humor; the expressions captured perfectly. Signed on a red-lacquer tablet SOKO.
LENGTH 6 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear.
Provenance: From a private collection in Belgium, published in the commissioned private catalogue ‘The Nibajama collection’ no: 176.
Sarumawashi (monkey performers) evolved over a 1000-year history in Japan, the earliest attestation being during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Ancient Japanese chronicles refer to it as a form of religious ritual designed to protect the horses of warriors. It later developed into a popular form of festival entertainment and was performed all over Japan from temples to imperial courts. During the Edo period (1615-1868) they were active throughout Japan, touring both rural areas and the great cities. Today, Sarumawashi is ranked alongside Noh and Kabuki as one of the oldest and most traditional of Japan's performing arts. It features acrobatic stunts and comedic skits performed by highly trained macaque monkeys.
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related ivory okimono of a sarumawashi, signed Yukihira, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 6 November 2012, London, lot 344 (sold for GBP 2,125).
Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 2023/BE00295/CE).
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