90 - Ɏ TADAKAZU: A FINE OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TURTLE PILE

Ɏ TADAKAZU: A FINE OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TURTLE PILE By Tadakazu (Chuichi), signed Tadakazu 忠一 Japan, Osaka, second half of 19th century Finely carved as five tortoises clambering over one another in a compact, densely interlocked pile, two larger animals forming the base while three smaller tortoises scramble toward the summit. Each is given a distinct attitude and animated expression, with dark horn-inlaid eyes and carefully incised carapaces. The lively overlapping limbs and shells create a strong sense of upward movement despite the compact form. Himotoshi underneath and signed TADAKAZU in an oval reserve. The ivory is subtly stained in a manner reminiscent of Kaigyokusai Masatsugu. LENGTH 5.5 cm Provenance: From a noted German private collection, Munich, Germany. Condition: Excellent condition. A few of the eye inlays possibly lost. The distinctive subject of stacked tortoises is closely associated with Tadakazu, also known as Chuichi, who returned repeatedly to the motif and developed it with considerable inventiveness. The present example is particularly successful in differentiating the five animals while maintaining a compact, rhythmically ascending composition. Museum comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a turtle group by the same artist, signed Tadakazu, 5.7 cm long, in the British Museum, registration number HG.663. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a turtle pile by the same artist, signed Tadakazu, 5 cm high, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 84 (sold for EUR 4,803 or approx. EUR 6,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 2-3 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued. 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.