Until 2nd May, 2025
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Ɏ A FINE IVORY MASK NETSUKE OF A KARASU TENGU
LOT 507 - AK0124
Unsigned
Japan, Osaka, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Finely carved, the exaggeratedly long beak of the tengu curving downwards, the large eyes set with heavy bags and a sorrowful expression. Its furrowed brows and beak finely detailed with small hairs. Good himotoshi to the back, which bears a simulated wood grain, and the nostrils pierced as well, so that the netsuke could also be worn as a pendant. The ivory bearing a fine, glossy patina.
LENGTH 5.3 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and expected age cracks
Provenance: Ancient collection Albert Brockhaus (1855-1921). Kunsthandel Klefisch, Auction 50, September 1992, Cologne, lot 346. Lempertz, 10 June 2006, Cologne, lot 906. European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above.
Tengu were considered the embodiment of powerful and usually malevolent spirits who, in Japanese folk beliefs, inhabit the woodlands of high mountains. There are two principal forms of tengu: the karasa tengu and the konoha tengu. They are typically represented as having human bodies, wings, and sometimes talons in place of hands and feet. The karasu tengu has a birdlike head complete with a strong, sharp beak. The konoha tengu has a human face, distorted by an enormously long nose.
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related ivory mask netsuke of karasu tengu, signed Garaku, with similar bags beneath the eyes, at Kunsthandel Klefisch, Auction 60, 15 June 1996, Cologne, lot 638.
Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0337).
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