116 - DORAKU: A FINE EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A NAMAKO (SEA CUCUMBER)

DORAKU: A FINE EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A NAMAKO (SEA CUCUMBER) By Doraku, signed Doraku 道乐 Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Masterfully carved as a spiny sea cucumber (namako), a prized winter delicacy in Japan traditionally eaten around the New Year. The rough skin is rendered with remarkable naturalism, with prominent nodules across the upper surface and dense stippling beneath, contrasting beautifully with the smoothly polished dark ebony. Himotoshi underneath and signed DORAKU within a stained and inlaid reserve. LENGTH 5.8 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Doraku was among the leading carvers of the Osaka school, and his work shows a particularly close affinity with that of Ohara Mitsuhiro. While their precise relationship remains uncertain, Doraku's netsuke reveal a strong indebtedness to Mitsuhiro in their compact naturalistic forms, refined surface treatment, and choice of subjects. Significantly, several motifs occur in the work of both artists, including the namako seen here. Literature comparison: Compare two related netsuke of a namako and chestnut by Ohara Mitsuhiro see Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, pp. 45-46, nos. 99-100. Museum comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a sea cucumber by the same artist, signed Doraku, dated early 19th century, 5.7 cm long, in the Los Angeles Country Museum, accession number AC1998.249.28. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ebony wood netsuke of a namako by the same artist, signed Doraku, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke, by the same artist, signed Doraku, 6 November 2018, London, lot 151 (sold for GBP 2,500 or approx. EUR 4,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).