Ɏ SHUNKOSAI CHOGETSU: A LARGE AND SUPERB MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF SHOKI AS A RAT CATCHER

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Ɏ SHUNKOSAI CHOGETSU: A LARGE AND SUPERB MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF SHOKI AS A RAT CATCHER By Shunkosai Chogetsu, signed Shunko 春光 Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1850, Edo period (1615-1868) Humorously carved, this netsuke depicts the demon-queller Shoki crouching forward as he leans over a small open box trap, attempting to capture a mischievous oni. With one hand he steadies the trap while the other grips his sword, his powerful body bent low in intense concentration. Behind him, however, a tiny oni has climbed onto his back, pulling a mocking grimace and taunting the great demon hunter. Shoki’s face is rendered with remarkable vigor, furrowed brows, bulging eyes, and an open mouth revealing teeth and tongue, conveying irritation and determination in equal measure. Turning his head sharply over his shoulder, he seems on the verge of discovering the imp perched behind him, creating palpable tension and comic suspense within the composition. His long beard is finely incised, and the warrior’s robe is decorated with neatly carved swirling patterns. Natural himotoshi and signed underneath within a wavy reserve SHUNKO. HEIGHT 4.3 cm, LENGTH 4.6 cm Shunkosai Chogetsu appears to have worked exclusively in marine ivory, a material he handled with particular mastery. His netsuke are notable for their bold carving, animated expressions, and especially their inventive and humorous subject matter, often presenting playful reversals of familiar themes. Scenes of Shoki and oni were a favorite motif, allowing the artist to explore comic tension between the formidable demon-queller and the impish creatures he pursues. Works by Shunkosai are relatively rare and are distinguished by their confident modeling, lively characterizations, and highly individual compositions. Literature comparison: Compare a related marine ivory netsuke of Shoki and oni by the same artist, signed Shunkosai, illustrated in Christie’s, Fine Netsuke from an Important American East Coast Museum, 16 November 1976, London, lot 60. Auction comparison: Compare a related walrus tusk netsuke by the same artist, signed Chogetsu, 6.3 cm long, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 100 (sold for EUR 10,112). 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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