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An important ebony study of a kirin By Masatoshi (Nakamura Tokisada, Tokyo, 1915-2002), carved in 1977 image 1
An important ebony study of a kirin By Masatoshi (Nakamura Tokisada, Tokyo, 1915-2002), carved in 1977 image 2
Property of a Southern Gentleman
Lot 2154

An important ebony study of a kirin
By Masatoshi (Nakamura Tokisada, Tokyo, 1915-2002), carved in 1977

Amended
Fine Japanese Works of Art
20 March 2012, 13:00 EDT
New York

Sold for US$27,500 inc. premium

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An important ebony study of a kirin

By Masatoshi (Nakamura Tokisada, Tokyo, 1915-2002), carved in 1977
The mythical animal shown standing with its four feet together and arching its back as it turns to look back and upward, its mouth open as if baying, flames emanating from its chest, the curly tail, mane and scaly skin all neatly carved with fine lines, signed on the left haunch Masatoshi to 3 5/8in (9.1cm) high

Footnotes

Provenance: Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection
Published: Masatoshi as told to Raymond Bushell, The Art of Netsuke Carving (Tokyo: Kodansha International Ltd., 1981), fig. 99.
Kinsey, Miriam, Living Masters of Netsuke (New York: Kodansha, 1984), fig. 137.

This is purportedly the piece that served as Masatoshi's "audition" for Raymond Bushell's patronage. Bushell is said to have given Masatoshi a photograph of an old wood model of a standing kirin and asked him to carve a copy. History tells us that Bushell was pleased with the result as the two enjoyed a working relationship.
Years later during a convention of the International Netsuke Society, Masatoshi was shown this ebony kirin and he immediately carried it over to a quiet corner where he could enjoy handling it on his own. He then told the current owner that it was the best piece he had ever carved.

Saleroom notices

Please note that this lot was published in the International Netsuke Society Journal, vol. 7, no. 1, pg. 21 "The 18 Greats"; and Connoisseur, 18 January, 1989. It was exhibited at the following venues: The Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art, Dallas, "Texas Collects Japan", January, 2008; and The Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada, "The Gould Collection", 1989.

Additional information

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