Beschreibung:

Katalognummer: NE1119-146 NANBOKU: AN EXCELLENT AND RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A BOAR By Nanboku, signed Nanboku Japan, Tanba, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The boar is seated with one hoof slightly raised and with its head and snout lifted upwards, about to emit a bellowing roar. Its eyes are double inlaid in dark and semi-translucent pale horn in typical Tanba style, giving the boar a wild and enigmatic expression. The hairwork is executed masterfully and the wood is typically darkened and accentuated for effect. Turning the netsuke reveals the legs and hooves, which have a delightful dark patina, and are as the rest of the piece carved crisply. Excellent asymmetrical himotoshi and signature NANBOKU 南木 in a rounded reserve. HEIGHT 3.8 cm, LENGTH 4.5 cm Condition: The left front leg with a well-done professional restoration. Otherwise excellent condition with a beautiful patina. Provenance: Formerly Katherine Matthies collection, sold at Sotheby’s New York, 25th May 1989, lot 53. Then European private collection. Nanboku was a talented carver from the Tanba school, arguably even surpassing his master Naito Toyomasa in quality of execution. This is evident when comparing the netsuke of a boar by Toyomasa in the Katchen collection (see literature comparison). BOAR / INOSHISHI The boar (inoshishi) is the twelfth sign of the zodiac, is considered the bravest of the animals and also symbolizes daredevilry. It is also called yamakujira, or “mountain whale”. Auction comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke by Toyomasa sold by Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke, 10 May 2017, lot 135. Schätzpreis 估價: € 10.000 Startpreis 起拍價: € 5.000 -