212 - RYUKEI I: A SUPERB INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF A FOREIGN EGG TESTER

RYUKEI I: A SUPERB INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF A FOREIGN EGG TESTER By Ryukei I, signed Rokuju-o 六十翁 Ryukei 龍珪 and kakihan Japan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18 th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A spirited and finely carved depiction of a foreign egg tester, the figure with a wonderfully expressive, almost grotesque concentration as he examines an egg held before his eye. A basket containing further eggs is strapped over his shoulder, while his long curling hair, bare torso, loincloth, and European-style boots create the striking hybrid appearance characteristic of this rare subject. The eggs are finely inlaid, and the face is carved with remarkable animation, capturing the eccentric character of the figure. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi to the back next to the signature Rokuju-o RYUKEI [Ryukei, a 60-year-old man] and with the artist’s kakihan. HEIGHT 5.9 cm Condition: Excellent condition, minor expected wear. Ryukei I was one of the most important artists of the Edo school, renowned for his highly individual wood netsuke combining bold humour, powerful modeling, and exceptional characterisation. His works are exceptionally rare, with celebrated examples preserved in major museum collections, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the British Museum. The present netsuke is particularly significant as it bears the unusual age-indicating signature Rokuju-o (“old man of sixty”), providing a rare glimpse into the artist’s career during the late 18th century, when the foreigner and egg-tester subjects became increasingly popular among Edo-school carvers. Such dated or age-specific signatures by Ryukei are extremely uncommon and are invaluable in understanding both his chronology and artistic development. Museum comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of an islander by the same artist, catalogued as Ryukei I, 7.5 cm high, in the Los Angeles Country Museum, accession number M.91.250.306. Compare a closely related wood netsuke of an egg tester by the same artist, signed Ryukei with kakihan, 5.7 cm high, in the British Museum, registration number F.567. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related marine ivory netsuke of a foreign egg tester by the same artist, signed Ryukei and kakihan, 6 cm high, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke: Part III, 6 November 2018, London, lot 30 (sold for GBP 5,250 or approx. EUR 8,300 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).