8th Nov, 2024 13:00
Fine Netsuke & Sagemono
145
ICHIUN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT BOAR
Sold for €8,450
including Buyer's Premium
By Ichiun (Ikkan), signed Ichiun 一雲
Japan, Nagoya, c. 1860
Naturalistically carved, the boar resting flat on its belly, its limbs partially tucked underneath, one leg slightly raised against the body. The heavy animal with its ears laid back, its long snout curving upwards, sniffing the air, flanked by bone-inlaid tusks, the eyes inlaid in dark horn. The hairwork is masterfully incised and beautifully worn. Natural himotoshi and signed to the base in sosho (cursive script) ICHIUN.
LENGTH 4.3 cm
Condition: The right raised leg with a restoration to the edge. Otherwise very good condition with minor wear and appealing rubbing to the high points.
Provenance: Sotheby’s, February 1986, London, lot 201.
Jairus K. Hammond discusses Ichiun and Ikkan in length in WHODUNIT? Ikkan or Ichiun, International Netsuke Society Journal (INSJ), vol. 10, no. 3, p. 14-23. In the article it is noted that the Ichiun 一雲 is the sosho variant of the kaisho signature Ikkan 一貫. Due to the fact that both signatures were used in combination with the same kakihan and often with the prefix Chofu (Nagoya), Hammond postulated that these two signatures are engraved by the same carver. The present netsuke is listed in Exhibit 1, p. 23, as “Boar reclining, head raised”.
As the twelfth animal of the zodiac, the boar often became a subject for netsuke carvers. For reasons which are probably self-evident, the boar is emblematic of unswerving courage. Perhaps because of its rounded proportions, it also came to represent wealth and well-being, and people born under its sign are said to be honest, courageous, forthright, and loyal. The boar’s fearless charge was infamous, and warriors who could stop an enraged animal became well known.
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related wood netsuke by Ittan at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 28 April 2023, Vienna, lot 82 (sold for EUR 10,400).
By Ichiun (Ikkan), signed Ichiun 一雲
Japan, Nagoya, c. 1860
Naturalistically carved, the boar resting flat on its belly, its limbs partially tucked underneath, one leg slightly raised against the body. The heavy animal with its ears laid back, its long snout curving upwards, sniffing the air, flanked by bone-inlaid tusks, the eyes inlaid in dark horn. The hairwork is masterfully incised and beautifully worn. Natural himotoshi and signed to the base in sosho (cursive script) ICHIUN.
LENGTH 4.3 cm
Condition: The right raised leg with a restoration to the edge. Otherwise very good condition with minor wear and appealing rubbing to the high points.
Provenance: Sotheby’s, February 1986, London, lot 201.
Jairus K. Hammond discusses Ichiun and Ikkan in length in WHODUNIT? Ikkan or Ichiun, International Netsuke Society Journal (INSJ), vol. 10, no. 3, p. 14-23. In the article it is noted that the Ichiun 一雲 is the sosho variant of the kaisho signature Ikkan 一貫. Due to the fact that both signatures were used in combination with the same kakihan and often with the prefix Chofu (Nagoya), Hammond postulated that these two signatures are engraved by the same carver. The present netsuke is listed in Exhibit 1, p. 23, as “Boar reclining, head raised”.
As the twelfth animal of the zodiac, the boar often became a subject for netsuke carvers. For reasons which are probably self-evident, the boar is emblematic of unswerving courage. Perhaps because of its rounded proportions, it also came to represent wealth and well-being, and people born under its sign are said to be honest, courageous, forthright, and loyal. The boar’s fearless charge was infamous, and warriors who could stop an enraged animal became well known.
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related wood netsuke by Ittan at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 28 April 2023, Vienna, lot 82 (sold for EUR 10,400).
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