252 - A SUPERB MIXED METAL AND ANTLER RYUSA KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE OF HOTEI, ATTRIBUTED TO SUZUKI TOKOKU

A SUPERB MIXED METAL AND ANTLER RYUSA KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE OF HOTEI, ATTRIBUTED TO SUZUKI TOKOKU Attributed to Suzuki Tokoku (1846-1913), signed with a ‘tama’ kakihan Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa district, mid to late 19th century The shibuichi plate set within an intricately pierced ryusa antler bowl, finely worked in takabori with the smiling Hotei reclining upon his treasure sack and holding a fan in his right hand. His plump face and ample body are humorously rendered, while the sack is decorated in gold, silver, and suaka hirazogan with auspicious takarazukushi motifs, including a coin and hoyaku (treasure key). The antler bowl is superbly carved in openwork with characteristic wave-like whorls, the reverse boldly carved with a go-san no kiri (3-5-3 paulownia) mon. Central himotoshi to the underside and signed with a tama-shaped kakihan, supporting the attribution to Tokoku. DIAMETER 4 cm Condition: Excellent condition, some light rubbing to the shibuichi plate. The distinctive tama-shaped kakihan on the present piece closely resembles those found on works attributable to Suzuki Tokoku, supporting the present attribution. The sophisticated combination of pierced antler and mixed-metal decoration is likewise characteristic of the finest Asakusa-school workmanship associated with the artist. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related antler ryusa netsuke with a dragon, likewise signed with a closely related ‘tama’ kakihan, the style of the dragon being distinctly Tokoku, 3.9 cm in diameter, at Bonhams, Myth, Mirth and Magic: Important Netsuke and Sagemono from the Guy de Lasteyrie Collection, 14 June 2023, Paris, lot 107 (sold for EUR 3,200). Compare also a closely related antler ryusa manju netsuke of a mokugyo, attributed to Suzuki Tokoku and signed with a similar ‘tama’ kakihan, 3.8 cm long, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 263 (sold for EUR 4,550).