189 - TOMOKAZU: A FINE DARK WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY EATING BERRIES

TOMOKAZU: A FINE DARK WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY EATING BERRIES Workshop of Kano Tomokazu, signed Tomokazu 友一 Japan, Gifu, first half of the 19 th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved as a seated monkey (saru) cradling a fruit-laden branch of loquats (biwa) in its lap, one hand grasping the leafy stem while the other is raised to its mouth as it eats one of the fruits. The animal is rendered with a lively, alert expression, its dense coat finely incised and contrasting attractively with the smoothly polished face, hands, feet, and fruit. The eyes are double-inlaid in pale translucent and dark horn, lending the face particular animation, while the slightly open mouth reveals inlaid teeth. Very large and asymmetrical himotoshi and signed TOMOKAZU within an oval reserve. HEIGHT 3.6 cm Provenance: Siboni, Hotel Drouot, 17 March 2006, Paris, lot 201 (old label to back). French private collection, acquired from the above. Condition: Very good condition with only minor wear, small abrasions on one knee and small light surface scratches. Kano Tomokazu (c. 1765-1840) was one of the earliest and most respected netsuke carvers of Gifu, working primarily in wood, particularly tsuge, which he frequently enhanced with carefully applied staining. At the age of seventeen he entered the service of the Shibata family and, according to tradition, initially practiced carving secretly at night before his talent gained his master’s approval. He later spent time in Kyoto, where his netsuke attracted considerable attention, before returning to Gifu and establishing himself near Kinkazan Mountain. Tomokazu was particularly admired for his closely observed animal studies, distinguished by fine surface carving and an acute understanding of animal character. Monkeys form a recognizable group within the work of Tomokazu and his workshop. The present netsuke displays characteristic features including double-inlaid eyes and finely engraved fur and, while not directly attributed to the master’s hand, is an especially accomplished workshop example. Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of a monkey eating fruit by Kano Tomokazu, signed Tomokazu, 3.8 cm high, at Bonhams, The James A. Rose Collection of Netsuke and Sagemono, 17 September 2013, New York, lot 2019 (sold for USD 13,750 or approx. EUR 16,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).