246 - MASAYUKI: A LARGE ANTLER SASHI NETSUKE OF A RAT ON A STALK

MASAYUKI: A LARGE ANTLER SASHI NETSUKE OF A RAT ON A STALK School of Hoshunsai Masayuki, signed Masayuki 正之 Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa district, late 19th century Carved from a thick section of hollow antler as a rat crouching upon a long stalk, its compact body bent forward as it peers intently downward. The rounded ears, paws, and finely modeled features are carefully rendered, while the long tail trails sinuously down the shaft, cleverly following the natural contours of the material. The porous structure and naturally darkened areas of the antler are skillfully incorporated into the composition, enhancing its organic character. Signed MASAYUKI within a rectangular reserve. LENGTH 12.2 cm Provenance: From the private collection of Lu Xiaguang, and thence by descent. Vente AuctionArt, Paris, 21 February 2014, lot 114. French private collection, acquired from the above. Lu Xiaguang (1906-1994) was a Chinese painter who became a protegé of Xu Beihong in 1929 and learned oil painting in the Western style. On Xu’s advice, he studied painting at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and the Royal Academy of Belgium, after which he returned to Paris. He copied famous paintings from various schools in the Louvre, studied with great concentration, and collected paintings, art objects, and antiques. In 1984, he established the Lu Xiaguang Studio in Paris, which contributed to the cultural exchange between China and France. In 1993, Lu Xiaguang donated his life's work and his art collection of cultural relics, calligraphy, and painting to the People’s Republic of China. His works and collection are permanently displayed in the Zhejiang Provincial Museum in Hangzhou. Condition: The lower section restored. Otherwise excellent condition with minor wear and natural imperfections to the material. Literature comparison: Compare a related sashi antler netsuke of two lotus leaves by Hoshunsai Masayuki, signed Masayuki, 11.2 cm high, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai The Genius and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, no. 407. Compare a related antler netsuke of a rat, by Rensai, illustrated in Davey, Neil K. (1982) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 180.