AN EARLY AND AMUSING IVORY NETSUKE OF CHOKARO’S... Lot n° 30

Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Zacke (1987), Netsuke, Vienna, no. 66 The ivory netsuke depicting Chokaro Sennin's horse emerging from a gourd, however the gourd is tied up like a bag in the middle and the horse is unable to surface from it completely. The resulting expression of the horse is quite amusing as it has become aware of its predicament. The ivory is appealingly glossy, typical for early pieces, and shows a fine yellowish patina with spots of honey. Natural himotoshi through the gourd. LENGTH 4.6 cm Condition: Expected age cracks, stunning patina. The two feet in the front probably with an old smoothed down chip to the very end. Provenance: Ex collection Marcel Lorber (1900-1986), collection no. 29, sold by Zacke in 1987 and since then in a Viennese private collection.