280 - † ZI ZHU: KAPPA ON A CUCUMBER

† ZI ZHU: KAPPA ON A CUCUMBER By Zi Zhu, signed Zi Zhu 子竹 China, 2026 The jovial kappa sprawled contentedly across an enormous cucumber, embracing its favored delicacy with both arms. The cucumber forming the base is carved from antler and treated with the traditional qianse staining technique, its surface displaying rich, layered shades of jade-green, emerald, yellow, and olive with a translucent quality. A curling tendril and tiny frog are incorporated into the composition, adding further playful detail. The kappa’s characteristic sara, or dish, is inlaid in agate, while the lively eyes are variously inlaid in amber and horn. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside of the cucumber beside an inset silver tablet signed ZI ZHU. LENGTH 6.6 cm Condition: Excellent condition. With a pouch and an inscribed and sealed wood tomobako (storage box). The present netsuke brings together one of the most familiar figures of Japanese folklore with an unexpected Chinese technical tradition of qianse staining. Kappa are mischievous aquatic yokai, typically depicted with webbed limbs, a turtle-like carapace, and a shallow dish, or sara, upon the head. According to popular belief, this cavity must remain filled with water for the creature to retain its supernatural strength. Cucumbers are regarded as the kappa's favorite food and were traditionally offered to the spirit. Zi Zhu is a contemporary Chinese netsuke artist from Zhaoqing, Guangdong. Trained in sculpture at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, he began carving netsuke in 2018 and established his independent studio the following year. His work draws particularly on the fantastical creatures and ancient cosmology of the Shanhaijing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), reinterpreted through a distinctly contemporary sculptural language. Since 2022, the artist has also studied lacquer techniques under the noted Chinese lacquer artist Su Xing, receiving the Grand Prize at the 8th Lacquer Painting Exhibition in Guangdong that same year. His works have been exhibited by Gallery Hanakagesho in Tokyo, including in its 2024 exhibition of contemporary yokai netsuke. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.