A RARE GILT-IRON AND ANTLER RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE OF A MOKUGYO, ATTRIBUTED TO TOKOKU

拍品描述

A RARE GILT-IRON AND ANTLER RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE OF A MOKUGYO, ATTRIBUTED TO TOKOKU Attributed to Suzuki Tokoku (1846-1913), unsigned Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa district, second half of 19th century This exquisite ryusa manju netsuke consists of two separate elements, elegantly combining the contrasting textures of gilt-iron and antler. The front features a finely detailed double dragon-headed mokugyo cast in iron and enriched with gold nunome-zogan. The openworked reverse is finely carved with a hossu (Buddhist flywhisk), a large koro (censer), and scrolling clouds, all centered by a beautifully carved floral himotoshi. HEIGHT 3.9 cm, LENGTH 4 cm This work can be attributed to Suzuki Tokoku (1846–1913), regarded as one of the finest netsuke carvers associated with the Asakusa school and distinguished by his masterful use of metal inlays. His earlier works frequently take the form of manju or ryusa netsuke, often incorporating finely executed metal elements. It has been suggested that his art name Tokoku 東谷 may derive from Kokusai 谷齋. Although Tokoku is often described as self-taught, the stylistic relationship suggests that he may at some point have worked in proximity to, or under the influence of Kokusai. Literature comparison: Compare a related antler netsuke with a similar backside of scrolling clouds and a flower himotoshi, by Tokoku, 3.9 cm in diameter, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, pp. 184-185, no. 447. Auction comparison: Compare a related antler netsuke of a mokugyo, also unsigned and attributed to Tokoku, 3.8 cm long, at Zacke, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 263 (sold for EUR 4,550).

图片