SUKENAGA: A SUPERB WOOD ‘TABAKO-IRE’ TONKOTSU By... Lot 49

SUKENAGA: A SUPERB WOOD ‘TABAKO-IRE’ TONKOTSU By Matsuda Sukenaga (1800-1871), signed Sukenaga 亮長 Japan, Takayama, Hida Province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Of upright rectangular form, exquisitely carved to simulate embossed leather (kinkarakawa), the surface decorated in high relief with a fierce three-clawed dragon writhing among swirling clouds in pursuit of the flaming pearl against a densely ‘crackle’-incised ground. The kanamono (pouch clasp) is brillianty simulated as well, emulating shakudo, yet carved from dark wood in the shape of a dragon claw clutching a tama. The bottom signed within an oval reserve SUKENAGA. HEIGHT 8.5 cm, LENGTH 5 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minimal wear. Matsuda Sukenaga (1800-1871), a craftsman associated with the Hida school of netsuke carving, ingeniously carved this tonkotsu so as to simulate the appearance of a leather tobacco pouch. Carvers and lacquer artists alike often took pride in demonstrating their technical virtuosity through the imitation of other materials and textures, a practice that allowed them to extend the expressive potential of their craft beyond its conventional applications. In the present example, particular attention may be drawn to the refined execution of the simulated stitching and to the carefully modulated surface, which convincingly evokes the supple texture of worked leather. Museum comparison: Compare a closely related wood inro in the shape of a leather tobacco case with flowering plum, attributed to Matsuda Sukenaga, 7.7 cm high, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number 91.1.717. Auction comparison: Compare a related wood tonkotsu imitating a kinkarakawa (embossed leather) pouch, 10.2 cm high, at Bonhams, Myth, Mirth, and Magic, Paris, 14 June 2023, lot 120 (sold for EUR 9,600 or EUR 10,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).