Ɏ A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN

Ɏ A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A remarkably expressive ivory netsuke depicting the hermit Gama, shown slightly leaning to one side, his left hand clutching a loose lock of hair, while the right hand offers a smooth fruit to the toad at his feet. The amphibian carved clambering up the sennin’s leg, its body neatly stippled, and eyes set wide apart; the pupils of both the sennin and toad are inlaid in dark horn. The immortal is dressed in long flowing robes with neatly incised folds belted loosely at the waist, revealing his emaciated chest and distended belly, a bamboo basket is carved to his side. Asymmetrical himotoshi to the back. The ivory bearing a naturally grown, rich honey-gold patina. HEIGHT 6.4 cm Condition: Very good condition with old wear and age cracks. Provenance: Collection of Fritz Niescher, and thence by descent in the same family. Fritz Niescher (1889-1974) was a Chemnitz entrepreneur who built an impressive collection comprised of Japanese works of art and modern art. His extensive collection included works by Ernst Barlach and Otto Dix. Pieces from his collection have been part of traveling exhibits since his death, and many are housed today in the Ernst Barlach Haus in Hamburg. Museum comparison: A closely related ivory netsuke of Rakan Handaka Sonja, Osaka school and likely carved by the same hand or studio, is in the Linden Museum Stuttgart, inventory number OA 18692. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number DE-DÜS231016-112). 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.