TOKOKU: A MASTERFUL MIXED MATERIAL NETSUKE OF A BUTTERFLY

TOKOKU: A MASTERFUL MIXED MATERIAL NETSUKE OF A BUTTERFLY
By Suzuki Tokoku (1846-1913), signed Tokoku 東谷 with seal Bairyu 楳立
Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Published:
Mcniff, Ed (2004) Auctions, International Netsuke Society Journal (INSJ), vol. 24, no. 4, p. 694.
Of manju type, masterfully worked in various precious materials including mother-of-pearl, ebony and horn, depicting a butterfly with outstretched wings. The choice section of ebony which is inlaid to the mother-of-pearl frame is cleverly utilized and worked to resemble the heterogenous surface of the membrane of the butterfly's wings. The various patterns are minutely inlaid in the form of shaped roundels to the back and front. The craftsmanship and precision are truly remarkable and hold up to extreme magnification. The backside with two ringed himotoshi and the incised signature TOKOKU and inlaid gold seal Bairyu.
LENGTH 6.3 cm, HEIGHT 3 cm
Condition: Very good condition, minor wear to one inlay.
Provenance:
Sold at Eldred's, 23 August 2004, Massachusetts, lot 694 (
sold for hammer price 8,500 USD
).
In the auction report mentioned above Ed Mcniff remarks the following: “..upon close inspection, the workmanship and technical carving skill apparent in this piece are as impressive as any I've ever seen. Perhaps this is an example of an artist who was willing to adjust his artistic sensibilities to suit the demands of the times, but also of a superb craftsman unwilling to compromise his craft.”