MASANAO: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI WITH A TREASURE BAG

MASANAO: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI WITH A TREASURE BAG
By Masanao, signed Masanao 正直
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The pot-bellied God of Luck, dressed in a voluminous robe finely engraved with karakusa and flowers across the various pleats and folds, smiling a toothy grin as one hand supports the linen bag on his head in which he stows away the Precious Things, Takaramono, while the other lifts his hem off the floor in preparation to ford a stream. The sack detailed with foliate designs and tied to one side with a finely incised braided rope issuing tassels. The back with generously excavated and angled himotoshi and the neatly engraved signature MASANAO.
HEIGHT 6.2 cm
Condition: Some age cracks, repairs to the legs and to the tassels of the treasure bag, otherwise in good condition. Fine natural patina overall. The decorations to the robe and bag likely added later by a talented engraver such as Hidemasa of Osaka.
Provenance:
Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 10 November 2016, London, lot 217. French private collection, acquired from the above.
Masanao's place as one of the greatest of all netsuke carvers
is justified by the outstanding genius displayed in his work. His netsuke, from their daring originality, bold design, beautiful modeling and living spirit stand in a class of their own. Such is the outstanding character of an exceptional Masanao netsuke that it immediately attracts the eye. Combined with a free and bold style it has a fine and delicate finish. Perhaps to a greater degree than with any other netsuke carver, Masanao's netsuke strike one instantly as the creation of an inspired master and with the power of direct expression. Notably, Masanao is listed in the Soken Kisho, the first publication on netsuke published in 1781.
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related wood netsuke illustrated in Sagemonoya (2004) Ninety-Nine Netsuke & One Inro, p. 10-11, no. 13.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related ivory netsuke of Daikoku by Masanao with similar tassels to the bag, manner of carving and himatoshi at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 6 November 2012, London, lot 114 (
sold for GBP 34,850
).
Trade Certificate:
The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2307502998-K).
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.