5th Dec, 2025 10:00
Fine Japanese Art
83
INOUE MOTOTSUNE: A SUPERB AND LARGE SHAKUDO TSUBA DEPICTING A MAN AND FLY
€3,000
€6,000
A buyer’s premium of 30.00% (including VAT) applies to the hammer price of this lot if your bid is successful.
Lineage of Inoue Mototsune, signed Inoue Mototsune kaku
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Of tate-itomakigata from, with one kozuka hitsu ana, the shakudo ishimeji ground detailed with gold and iro-e takazogan and hirazogan, featuring a man with a startled expression as a fly lands on his bald head, the exaggerated eyes turned upwards, his bushy eyebrows lifted, and the hand raised to swat it. The subject may be a tongue-in-cheek reference to Daruma who is often disturbed by a fly in his meditation. The reverse with three banners. Signed INOUE MOTOTSUNE kaku [engraved by Inoue Mototsune].
HEIGHT 8.4 cm, LENGTH 7.8 cm
WEIGHT 249.5 g
Provenance: The Philip and Nancy Kotler Collection, Sarasota, Florida, United States. Philip and Nancy Kotler are distinguished collectors and philanthropists best known for their landmark contributions to the field of studio glass, including the creation of the Philip and Nancy Kotler Glass Collection at The Ringling and the opening of the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion in 2018. Beyond glass, the Kotlers cultivated a discerning interest in Asian art—particularly sword fittings, netsuke, and related objects—extending their patronage to institutions such as the Racine Art Museum and the Museum of Arts and Design. Philip Kotler, celebrated as the S.C. Johnson Distinguished Professor of International Marketing at Northwestern University and widely regarded as the “father of modern marketing,” together with Nancy Kotler, built a collection that reflects both scholarly passion and artistic vision.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear.
Inoue Mototsune (died before 1781) is listed in Robert E. Haynes, The Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists, p.1189 (H 05979.0). He likely belonged to the Wakabayashi family lineage and worked in Etchu Province and Kaga Province. Mototsune is also listed in the Soken Kisho, 1781, vol.4., p.1.
Lineage of Inoue Mototsune, signed Inoue Mototsune kaku
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Of tate-itomakigata from, with one kozuka hitsu ana, the shakudo ishimeji ground detailed with gold and iro-e takazogan and hirazogan, featuring a man with a startled expression as a fly lands on his bald head, the exaggerated eyes turned upwards, his bushy eyebrows lifted, and the hand raised to swat it. The subject may be a tongue-in-cheek reference to Daruma who is often disturbed by a fly in his meditation. The reverse with three banners. Signed INOUE MOTOTSUNE kaku [engraved by Inoue Mototsune].
HEIGHT 8.4 cm, LENGTH 7.8 cm
WEIGHT 249.5 g
Provenance: The Philip and Nancy Kotler Collection, Sarasota, Florida, United States. Philip and Nancy Kotler are distinguished collectors and philanthropists best known for their landmark contributions to the field of studio glass, including the creation of the Philip and Nancy Kotler Glass Collection at The Ringling and the opening of the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion in 2018. Beyond glass, the Kotlers cultivated a discerning interest in Asian art—particularly sword fittings, netsuke, and related objects—extending their patronage to institutions such as the Racine Art Museum and the Museum of Arts and Design. Philip Kotler, celebrated as the S.C. Johnson Distinguished Professor of International Marketing at Northwestern University and widely regarded as the “father of modern marketing,” together with Nancy Kotler, built a collection that reflects both scholarly passion and artistic vision.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear.
Inoue Mototsune (died before 1781) is listed in Robert E. Haynes, The Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists, p.1189 (H 05979.0). He likely belonged to the Wakabayashi family lineage and worked in Etchu Province and Kaga Province. Mototsune is also listed in the Soken Kisho, 1781, vol.4., p.1.
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Auction: Fine Japanese Art, 5th Dec, 2025
We're delighted to present Fine Japanese Art — a live auction featuring 600 exceptional lots that span every era of Japan’s rich artistic heritage.
The first 360 lots are featured in our printed catalog, beginning with Bronzes & Meiji metalwork, including a superb selection of silver works and notable pieces by celebrated masters such as Kitagawa Hokusen I and Jomi Eisuke II. These are followed by an outstanding group of samurai artworks, showcasing works by the Myochin family, intricate jizai okimono, exquisite tsuba from the Kotler Collection, and a distinguished array of armors, helmets, and swords. Learn more.
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