AN IVORY FRAGMENT OF A CHINESE SAGE RE-PURPOSED... Lot n° 11

Unsigned China, first half of 17th century, Ming dynasty (1358-1644) Published: Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, Vol. 2, pp. 346-347, no. K712. Taken from a fragment of a fine Ming Dynasty ivory figure of a Chinese sage, possibly depicting Shoulao. The ivory of a deep-yellow, golden color with a fine patina. The reverse has been fitted with a black-lacquered wood structure with three large himotoshi for the cord attachment. This type of of ‘re-purposed’ netsuke belongs to the earliest known netsuke. HEIGHT 9.3 cm Condition: Good condition with age cracks and wear to the lacquered backside. All as visible in the images provided. Provenance: Ex-collection Julius and Arlette Katchen, Paris. Auction comparison: For an ivory figure of similar quality and size see Christie’s Interiors, 3 April 2012, London, lot 527 (sold for 10,625 GBP).