254 - † NATSUO: A FINE SILVER AND WOOD KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE OF FISH

† NATSUO: A FINE SILVER AND WOOD KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE OF FISH Attributed to Kano Natsuo (1828-1898), signed Natsuo な津を Japan, c. 1880, Meiji period (1868-1912) The circular silver plate set within a wood bowl, finely worked in kebori with two slender fish swimming through a stream, their elongated bodies rendered in a remarkably economical yet expressive manner. Below, a small cluster of rocks and reeds evokes the riverbank, while the spare composition and fluid tapering strokes recall the restrained elegance of Japanese ink painting. The subtle modelling of the fish contrasts with the more firmly outlined reeds and rocks, demonstrating Natsuo's exceptional ability to suggest movement and natural form with a minimum of lines. Signed NATSUO to the right. Central himotoshi to the reverse, with the cord attachment concealed within. DIAMETER 3.5 cm Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear. Kano Natsuo (1828–1898) was a renowned painter, calligrapher, and scholar of classical poetry. He began his career as an adopted apprentice to the swordsmith Kano Chisuke, eventually establishing his own workshop in Kyoto in 1846. In 1854, he relocated to Tokyo, where he gained increasing success and acclaim, winning top prizes for metalwork at the National Industrial Expositions. In 1889, Natsuo became the first professor of metalwork at the newly established Tokyo School of Art, leading a new generation of artists at a time when the wearing of swords had been outlawed (1876), prompting a shift toward sculptural metalwork. In 1890, he was appointed Artist to the Imperial Household (Teishitsu Gigeiin), a mark of the highest honor. Today, Kano Natsuo is regarded as the most celebrated metalworker of the 19th century, with his masterpieces treasured in major Japanese museums and private collections around the world. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related bronze and wood kagamibuta netsuke of two waterbugs, signed Natsuo, 3.5 cm in diameter, illustrated in Sotheby’s, Fine Netsuke including Property from the Collection of Alan R. Liss, 2 September 1993, Chicago, lot 192. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related metal and wood kagamibuta netsuke of a fish, signed Natsuo, dated late 19 th century, 3.8 cm in diameter, at Christie’s, Japanese & Korean Art, 18 April 2018, New York, lot 74 (sold for USD 5,000 or approx. EUR 5,800 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.