Ɏ GYOKUZAN: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI

Ɏ GYOKUZAN: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI By Gyokuzan, signed Gyokuzan 玉山 Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved, the seated lion playfully clutching a large ball with three paws, its ears drooping down, and its mouth opened exposing large fangs and holding a loose ball. The Buddhist lion’s boisterous locks are finely stained and carved in large swaths of curly tufts with minute incisions, the bushy mane swept to one side on its back exposing the ribcage and muscular legs. Good and well-hollowed himotoshi to the base and back. Signed to the base of the ball within an oval reserve GYOKUZAN – this rarely encountered artist was likely a pupil of Mitsuharu of Kyoto. HEIGHT 4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and natural age cracks. Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary. Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a shishi, by Mitsuharu, at Bonhams, 12 November 2008, London, lot 422 ( sold for 4,200 GBP). Compare a related ivory netsuke of a kirin, by Gyokuzan, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 28 April 2023, Vienna, lot 31 (sold for EUR 2,600). 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.