182 - TOMOKAZU: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL EMERGING FROM ITS SHELL

TOMOKAZU: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL EMERGING FROM ITS SHELL By Kano Tomokazu (c. 1765-1840), signed Tomokazu 友一 Japan, Gifu/Nagoya, first half of the 19 th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Naturalistically carved as a decidedly plump snail (katatsumuri) emerging from its shell, the feelers and labial tentacles folded back and resting against the shell to maintain a compact composition. The ridged spiral shell is rendered with remarkable precision, finely incised to emulate its natural structure, while the rough texture of the body is conveyed through a dense network of cross-etched strokes. The foot is visible on the underside, forming a curling mass through which the natural himotoshi are formed. Signed within the typical raised oval reserve TOMOKAZU. LENGTH 4 cm Provenance: From the collection of Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt. Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 8 May 2026, Vienna, lot 190. Austrian private collection, acquired from the above. Theodor “Teddy” Hahn (1933-2012) was a well-known and respected collector of netsuke and other Asian works of art. After spending time in museums to study the early cultures of the world, finding particular interest in their sculptures, he began collecting. He remarked once, “I somehow knew it would have a profound influence on my life. How right I was. And how happy I have been.” Condition: Very good condition with minor expected wear. A small crack to one antenna. Kano Tomokazu (c. 1765-1840) was one of the earliest and most respected netsuke carvers from Gifu, renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship in wood, particularly tsuge wood, which he skillfully treated with various stains to enhance its natural grain. Starting at the age of 17, Tomokazu began working for the Shibata family, where he initially faced his master's disapproval but secretly practiced at night, eventually honing his skill to a level of remarkable proficiency. After gaining recognition in Kyoto for his intricate netsuke carvings, he returned to Gifu, where he lived a life of seclusion near Kinkazan Mountain, dedicating himself fully to his craft. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a snail by the same artist, signed Tomokazu, 3.8 cm wide, at Bonhams, Netsuke from a European Private Collection, 8 May 2016, London, lot 62 (sold for GBP 6,875 or approx. EUR 11,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).