35 - MASAKAZU: A FINE ‘THREE WISE MONKEYS’ SAGEMONO SET

MASAKAZU: A FINE ‘THREE WISE MONKEYS’ SAGEMONO SET By Masakazu, signed Masakazu 正一 Japan, Osaka, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) The group comprising a tonkotsu (tobacco box), ojime, and netsuke, finely carved in kiri (paulownia) wood and inlaid with boxwood, horn, and bone. The tonkotsu is decorated on one side with a lively scene of two monkeys among peaches, one carrying a fruiting peach branch while another reaches towards the hanging fruit, while the reverse depicts the hear-no-evil monkey. The cover is further decorated with peaches and foliage. The wood ojime is carved as the see-no-evil monkey, while the netsuke depicts the speak-no-evil monkey, its eyes inlaid. Signed within an inlaid reserve to the underside of the tonkotsu MASAKAZU HEIGHT 7.2 cm, LENGTH 8.9 cm (tonkotsu) HEIGHT 2.3 cm (ojime) HEIGHT 3.8 cm (netsuke) Provenance: From a private collection in Hesse, Germany. With various old notes, some handwritten, preserved inside the tonkotsu. Condition: Good condition with minor expected wear and some light chipping to the cover. Two inlays to the cover have been restored. Presenting beautifully. The present set combines the popular Edo-period subject of the Three Wise Monkeys (mizaru, kikazaru, iwazaru - “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”) with the traditional symbolism of peaches, associated in East Asian culture with longevity and auspiciousness. The lively carving, carefully selected kiri wood, and refined use of contrasting inlays demonstrate the technical refinement of the Osaka netsuke tradition during the Meiji period. The unusual inclusion of the tonkotsu, ojime, and netsuke as a unified composition makes this an especially appealing example of a complete sagemono ensemble. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related complete wood tonkotsu, netsuke, and ojime sagemono set by the Osaka carver Hidemasa, at Bonhams, The Arno Ziesnitz Collection, 21 March 2018, New York, lot 1044 (sold for USD 4,375 or approx. EUR 4,900 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Compare a closely related wood netsuke of two monkeys by the same artist, signed Masakazu, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 15 May 2014, London, lot 9 (sold for GBP 4,000 or approx. EUR 6,700 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).