251 - A FINE ANTLER RYUSA NETSUKE OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS (KIKU), ATTRIBUTED TO RENSAI

A FINE ANTLER RYUSA NETSUKE OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS (KIKU), ATTRIBUTED TO RENSAI Attributed to Ishikawa Rensai, unsigned Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa district, second half of 19 th century Finely carved in intricate openwork with a luxuriant spray of chrysanthemums (kiku), centered by a large bloom surrounded by smaller blossoms and buds borne on densely intertwining leafy stems. The petals are crisply delineated, while the broad leaves are finely worked with deeply incised veins and serrated edges, all enclosed within a circular frame of stylized crashing waves characteristic of the artist and the Asakusa carvers. The natural porous structure of the antler is skillfully incorporated into the openwork composition. Natural himotoshi. LENGTH 4.3 cm Condition: Excellent condition with typical natural flaws to the material. Auction comparison: Compare a related stag antler netsuke of a basket with wilting kiku flowers by Ishikawa Rensai, signed Ren, showing the artist’s characteristic treatment of chrysanthemum foliage, at Zacke, Vienna, 25 September 2020, Vienna lot 219 (sold for EUR 3,792 or approx. EUR 4,800 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).