Ɏ A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECLINING SHISHI, ATTRIBUTED TO MITSUHARU

拍品描述

Ɏ A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECLINING SHISHI, ATTRIBUTED TO MITSUHARU Attributed to Mitsuharu, unsigned Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615–1868) Superbly carved, the mythical lion is shown reclining in a crouched position, its expressive face animated by inlaid dark horn eyes, encircled in the typical manner of Mitsuharu. The luxuriant mane and tail are boldly rendered with deeply curling tufts and flowing strands, enhancing the sense of movement and vitality. The shishi’s open jaws enclose a loose ball. Two large, asymmetrical himotoshi to the underside. The finely worn ivory has developed a splendid, deep patina. LENGTH 5.5 cm Mitsuharu is one of the fifty-seven carvers mentioned in the Soken Kisho (1781). A quintessential Kyoto animal carver in ivory, his netsuke are typically bold and compact, in the manner of Tomotada. Most of his works are readily recognizable, particularly through his hallmark treatment of the eyes with distinct carved rings around the inlay. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of two reclining shishi, by Mitsuharu, dated to ca. 1770, 4.5 cm (length), illustrated in Sydney L. Moss (1989) Japanese Netsuke: Serious Art. Outstanding Works Selected from American Collections, no. 12. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a shishi, by Mitsuharu, at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, London, 8 November 2011, lot 17 (sold for GBP 11,250 or approx. EUR 22,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 25-B-1254). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

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