1st Dec, 2023 13:00
Fine Japanese Art
172
Ɏ AN AMUSING IVORY OKIMONO OF A FRUSTRATED RAT CATCHER
Sold for €2,600
including Buyer's Premium
By Toshimune, signed Toshimune
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
The alarmed rat catcher trying to fend off an inquisitive rat that is attempting to scale his body. The man carved in an animated pose, caught off guard by the rat who has managed to escape the trap; his face communicating his great surprise as his mouth hangs open. He is dressed in a robe incised with foliate motifs and holds a peculiarly small box, likely not big enough to contain the large rat. The ivory is stained and carved to cleverly delineate the shadows and movement of this dynamic okimono. Note the extremely well-carved bony fingers and toes, as well as the finely incised and stained body of the rat: Signed to the knee TOSHIMUNE.
HEIGHT 8 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear.
Provenance: From a private collection in Belgium, published in the commissioned private catalogue ‘The Nibajama collection’ no: 150.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related ivory okimono of a woodsman, signed Toshimune, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2011, London, lot 209 (sold for GBP 3,600).
Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 2023/BE00441/CE).
By Toshimune, signed Toshimune
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
The alarmed rat catcher trying to fend off an inquisitive rat that is attempting to scale his body. The man carved in an animated pose, caught off guard by the rat who has managed to escape the trap; his face communicating his great surprise as his mouth hangs open. He is dressed in a robe incised with foliate motifs and holds a peculiarly small box, likely not big enough to contain the large rat. The ivory is stained and carved to cleverly delineate the shadows and movement of this dynamic okimono. Note the extremely well-carved bony fingers and toes, as well as the finely incised and stained body of the rat: Signed to the knee TOSHIMUNE.
HEIGHT 8 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear.
Provenance: From a private collection in Belgium, published in the commissioned private catalogue ‘The Nibajama collection’ no: 150.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related ivory okimono of a woodsman, signed Toshimune, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2011, London, lot 209 (sold for GBP 3,600).
Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 2023/BE00441/CE).
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