130 - A SUPERB AND RARE CARVED ANTLER OKIMONO OF A DRAGON AND TWO KAPPA

A SUPERB AND RARE CARVED ANTLER OKIMONO OF A DRAGON AND TWO KAPPA Japan, 19th century, Edo (1615-1868) to Meiji period (1868-1912) Remarkably large for a carving in antler, masterfully worked from a thick section near the coronet, ingeniously incorporating the natural contours, irregularities, and porous texture of the material into a dramatic rocky landscape. The intricately carved composition is dominated by a fierce dragon emerging from tumultuous, swirling waves amid towering, jagged rock formations, its sinuous, finely scaled body winding through the rugged terrain. The landscape is deeply undercut with cavernous recesses, overhanging cliffs, and curling waves, their rhythmic contours contrasting beautifully with the natural textures of the antler. Amusingly concealed among the rocks are two mischievous kappa, one eagerly devouring a cucumber, their expressive, beaked faces and webbed limbs emerging from the narrow crevices. Mounted on an elaborate four-footed lacquer stand, finely decorated in gold and polychrome maki-e with flowering branches, butterflies, grasses, and scrolling foliage. LENGTH 12.5 cm (incl. stand), HEIGHT 15 cm (incl. stand) Provenance: From the collection of Mrs. Frederica (Freda) Cook (1856-1925), and thence by descent. Freda Cook entered one of Britain's most distinguished collecting families through her marriage in 1887 to Wyndham Francis Cook, younger son of Sir Francis Cook, 1st Baronet and Viscount of Monserrate (1817-1901). A wealthy textile magnate and one of the great art collectors of the 19th century, Sir Francis assembled an exceptional collection of Old Master paintings at Doughty House, Richmond, including works by Jan van Eyck, Velázquez, Fra Angelico, Filippo Lippi, and Rembrandt. He also created a Japanese garden at his Portuguese estate of Monserrate, reflecting the family's broad cosmopolitan interests. Among his acquisitions was the Salvator Mundi, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, which he purchased in 1900 and which later achieved USD 450.3 million at Christie's New York in 2017, establishing the world record for the highest price ever paid for a work of art at auction. Following her husband's death in 1905, Freda inherited a considerable fortune and continued to collect works of art, including Japanese art and netsuke. Her extraordinary handwritten will, completed in 1925, comprises 95,940 words across 1,066 pages and four volumes and remains recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest will ever written. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, natural imperfections to the material, and small age cracks. The lacquer stand with tiny chips and repairs. The carving is firmly mounted on the stand.