A SUPERB INLAID AND LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE OF A DRIED SALMON (HIMONO), ATTRIBUTED TO OGAWA HARITSU

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A SUPERB INLAID AND LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE OF A DRIED SALMON (HIMONO), ATTRIBUTED TO OGAWA HARITSU Attributed to Ogawa Haritsu (1663-1747), unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) This remarkable masterpiece depicts a dried salmon, a traditional New Year’s delicacy. The fish’s body is rendered with striking realism, its scales simulated through inlaid and lacquered lizard skin, while the exposed flesh is expressed with a luminous panel of mother-of-pearl, beneath which delicately painted bones shimmer faintly. The eyes are formed from a pale sheet of horn, subtly painted beneath to enhance their depth. The mouth is shown opened, with the teeth inlaid in bone, while a rope, from which the himono hangs, extends across the top and is lacquered in gold. Further details such as the fins are also highlighted in gold lacquer. The reverse contrasts this naturalistic depiction with a bold decorative scheme: a rich red lacquer ground, intricately carved in relief with a large, sinuous, stylized dragon. Two himotoshi are placed beneath - one generously excavated, the other smaller and ringed in mother-of-pearl. LENGTH 11.2 cm Museum comparison: Compare a closely related lacquer wood netsuke of a dried salmon, attributed to Ogawa Haritsu, dated to the early 18th century, 11 cm (length), in the British Museum, registration number F.1078. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related yet larger lacquered wood netsuke of a dried salmon, dated to the 18th century, 15.8 cm (length), at Bonhams, Netsuke from the Collection of Joseph and Elena Kurstin, 16 December 2022, lot 46 (sold for USD 25,500 or approx. EUR 23,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).

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