79 - Ɏ A POWERFUL KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF SHOKI, ATTRIBUTED TO OKATOMO

Ɏ A POWERFUL KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF SHOKI, ATTRIBUTED TO OKATOMO Attributed to Yamaguchi Okatomo, unsigned Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Powerfully carved as Shoki, the demon queller, standing upright with his head slightly tilted and gaze directed inquisitively upward, as though searching for an elusive oni. Both hands are clasped firmly around the hilt of his sword before him. He is dressed in voluminous robes falling in deeply carved folds and finely engraved with characteristic scrolling cloud motifs. His stern, bearded face is sensitively modeled, framed by long locks of hair and surmounted by his wide-brimmed hat. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi to the back. HEIGHT 6.8 cm Condition: Very good condition with old wear and typical age cracks. Museum comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of Shoki and oni, signed Okatomo, in the collection of The British Museum, registration number F.693. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related Kyoto school ivory netsuke of Shoki, also attributed to Okatomo and unsigned, 7.4 cm high, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 28 April 2023, Vienna, lot 29 (sold for EUR 2,600). Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 25NL340301/20). 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.