Until 31st Dec, 2025
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MINKO: A RARE AND UNUSUAL WOOD NETSUKE OF A HATCHING TENGU (TENGU NO TOMAGO)
Lot 198 - NE0525
By Tanaka Juntoku Minko (1735-1816), signed Minko 岷江 with kakihan
Japan, Tsu, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Emerging from its egg, the chimera-like tengu’s body partially fledged, its lanky muscular left arm extended over the shell, and the beak wide open in a tormented expression enhanced by glaring eyes inlaid in bone with dark pupils. The plumage and hair finely carved, the animated face topped by a tokin cap. The egg is smoothly polished and hollowed with large, generously excavated, asymmetrical himotoshi and signed MINKO with the artist’s typical kakihan.
LENGTH 6.1 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and expected traces of use.
Tanaka Juntoko Minko (1735-1816) was one of the few names mentioned in the Soken Kisho of 1781, the first publication mentioning netsuke. He was famous during his lifetime and is widely regarded as one of the greatest netsuke carvers. At first, he was a carver of Buddhist shrines, and only carved netsuke later, setting up a prolific school in Tsu.
Literature comparison:
The carving is certainly reminiscent of the famous ‘chimera’ netsuke by Tomin and Kokei and may very well be the predecessor to this type. See a related example by Tomin offered by Rosemary Bandini Ltd (Japanese Netsuke – Summer 2020, no. 8.).
Auction comparison:
Compare a related wood netsuke of a mythical beast, attributed to Tanaka Juntoku Minko (1735-1816) or a pupil, unsigned, second half of the 18th century, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 148 (sold for EUR 6,000).
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