4th Jun, 2021 13:00

Fine Japanese Art

 
  Lot 183
 

183

A WOOD NETSUKE-OKIMONO OF A DEER AND HORSE WITH SMALL MONKEYS

Sold for €1,643

including Buyer's Premium


Lot details

Japan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th century

Finely stained and carved in sukashibori (openwork), the deer and horse standing side by side on a bed of leaves, looking in opposite directions, each with the right front leg slightly raised, the details such as mane, tail, and antlers neatly detailed, two small monkeys are lying on the horse’s back, one wearing a shishimai mask and costume, the other holding cymbals in his hands, the deer, horse, and unmasked monkey with double-inlaid eyes, the netsuke-okimono with many ‘natural’ himotoshi due to the openwork nature of the piece.

HEIGHT 3.8 cm

Condition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear.
Provenance: European collection.

The animals depicted in this netsuke-okimono are rife with symbolism, much derived from Chinese language and culture. A monkey riding a horse, for example, expresses the wish for quick promotion, whereas the deer symbolizes longevity and riches, the Chinese character for deer (Lu) also meaning ‘good fortune’ and ‘government salary’.

Literature comparison:
A related netsuke of a monkey and horse, dated to the 19th century, is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 10.211.1648.

 

Japan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th century

Finely stained and carved in sukashibori (openwork), the deer and horse standing side by side on a bed of leaves, looking in opposite directions, each with the right front leg slightly raised, the details such as mane, tail, and antlers neatly detailed, two small monkeys are lying on the horse’s back, one wearing a shishimai mask and costume, the other holding cymbals in his hands, the deer, horse, and unmasked monkey with double-inlaid eyes, the netsuke-okimono with many ‘natural’ himotoshi due to the openwork nature of the piece.

HEIGHT 3.8 cm

Condition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear.
Provenance: European collection.

The animals depicted in this netsuke-okimono are rife with symbolism, much derived from Chinese language and culture. A monkey riding a horse, for example, expresses the wish for quick promotion, whereas the deer symbolizes longevity and riches, the Chinese character for deer (Lu) also meaning ‘good fortune’ and ‘government salary’.

Literature comparison:
A related netsuke of a monkey and horse, dated to the 19th century, is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 10.211.1648.

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