258 - Ɏ SO: A FINE WALRUS TUSK ‘SHIKUNSHI AND QUAIL’ RYUSA NETSUKE

Ɏ SO: A FINE WALRUS TUSK ‘SHIKUNSHI AND QUAIL’ RYUSA NETSUKE By Sokoku, signed So 宗 Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa district, second half of 19th century Delicately carved in openwork with intertwining stems of kiku, prunus, orchid, and bamboo entangled with scrolling clouds, centered by a finely worked mixed-metal plaque depicting a quail and mounted within a silver plate. The reverse with a central himotoshi and a small square reserve bearing the seal mark SO (for Sokoku). The artist was affiliated with the more famous Suzuki Tokoku (1846-1913), who during his early career carved similar ryusa netsuke. LENGTH 3.9 cm Condition: Good condition with few minor losses. The silver plate below the quail is of later date. The shikunshi, or ‘Four Gentlemen’ - plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum - derive from Chinese literati painting and were adopted into Japanese art as emblems of cultivated virtue and the four seasons. The quail complements this learned botanical program with a classic autumnal bird-and-flower motif; quail paired with chrysanthemums have a long pictorial tradition in East Asia and were associated with peace and longevity. Auction comparison: Compare a related gold-inlaid walrus tusk ryusa manju netsuke of a daikon and two rats by the same artist, signed So, 3.9 cm long, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 7 November 2025, Vienna, lot 325 (sold for EUR 10,010). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.