Beschreibung:

Lot details By Ikko, signed Ikko 一光 Japan, probably Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Naturalistically carved from a choice piece of ivory, the hare (usagi) sitting on the stem of a loquat branch and holding the fruit delicately with one paw, biting into it. Its ears are laid back and the fine hairwork is incised with minute strokes. The himotoshi is formed by the natural hollow between the branch and its leaf beneath the rabbit. The underside of the branch signed IKKO. The ivory has a rich, yellowish patina. LENGTH 3.7 cm Condition: Good condition with minor wear, light expected age cracks, a natural nerve channel between the ears, one of the eyes has been replaced. Provenance: Galerie Zacke, Vienna, 24 November 2018, lot 13. German private collection, acquired from the above. Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a hare from the same school, signed Rantei, sold at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 131 (sold for 2,750 GBP). Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0345).