22nd Apr, 2022 13:00
Fine Netsuke & Sagemono
84
Ɏ MASAKA: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF AN ONI APPLYING MOXA
Sold for €10,112
including Buyer's Premium
By Kihodo Masaka, signed Masaka 正香
Japan, Osaka, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Published: Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 1, p. 705.
The oni applying burning pellets to his leg in the self-application of moxibustion, a particularly painful form of acupuncture-related homeopathic treatment – his marvelous expression indicates just how painful it can be. The moxa pellets are inlaid, as are his eye pupils, in dark horn. A bowl of charcoal sits at the demon’s side, for heating the moxa. The underside well carved, the two pouches inscribed Hiuchi (‘flint’) and Mogusa (a paste when ignited supposedly relieves aching muscles), the signature MASAKA within an oval reserve. Note the fine manner of staining and precise incision work.
HEIGHT 3.9 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear.
Kihodo Masaka is regarded as one of the greatest carvers of netsuke and okimono, particularly during the Meiji period. He was favored by the aristocracy and Japanese royalty, one of his works (a cake plate decorated with a bag of hundred rats) was even purchased by the Meiji emperor in 1889.
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of an oni applying moxa by Masaka, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (1993) Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins, no. 92.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related ivory okimono of three oni fighting by Kihodo Masaka, 5.7 cm high, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 19 March 2013, New York, lot 2257 (sold for 13,750 USD).
Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0214).
By Kihodo Masaka, signed Masaka 正香
Japan, Osaka, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Published: Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 1, p. 705.
The oni applying burning pellets to his leg in the self-application of moxibustion, a particularly painful form of acupuncture-related homeopathic treatment – his marvelous expression indicates just how painful it can be. The moxa pellets are inlaid, as are his eye pupils, in dark horn. A bowl of charcoal sits at the demon’s side, for heating the moxa. The underside well carved, the two pouches inscribed Hiuchi (‘flint’) and Mogusa (a paste when ignited supposedly relieves aching muscles), the signature MASAKA within an oval reserve. Note the fine manner of staining and precise incision work.
HEIGHT 3.9 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear.
Kihodo Masaka is regarded as one of the greatest carvers of netsuke and okimono, particularly during the Meiji period. He was favored by the aristocracy and Japanese royalty, one of his works (a cake plate decorated with a bag of hundred rats) was even purchased by the Meiji emperor in 1889.
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of an oni applying moxa by Masaka, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (1993) Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins, no. 92.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related ivory okimono of three oni fighting by Kihodo Masaka, 5.7 cm high, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 19 March 2013, New York, lot 2257 (sold for 13,750 USD).
Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0214).
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