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A PRIVATE SWISS COLLECTION This collector holds a passion for the natural world, combined with a deep appreciation of the extraordinary craftsmanship inherent in Japanese art. Every piece in this collection is a celebration of nature, often through its less universally-appreciated inhabitants – including snakes, toads, ants and snails – subjects frequently depicted by Japanese artists with an astonishing level of realism throughout the Edo and Meiji periods. Inspiration surely came from a large live toad he kept for many years as a pet in his garden, which he nursed into its old age. He and his wife began collecting in the 1980s and focussed on netsuke, inro, okimono and sword fittings, purchasing from London auctions and dealers such as Eskenazi Ltd., amassing an extraordinary collection which is very much cherished to this day.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A CRAB ON A TEAKETTLE

SIGNED IKKYU, EDO PERIOD (19TH CENTURY)

Details

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A CRAB ON A TEAKETTLE
SIGNED IKKYU, EDO PERIOD (19TH CENTURY)
Carved as a crab clambering over a teakettle (chagama), lacquered details imitating the lid, the kettle stained imitating iron, eyes inlaid in dark cowhorn
4.2 cm. wide

Special notice

These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.

Brought to you by

Anastasia von Seibold

avonseibold@christies.com 44 (0)20 7752 3127

Lot Essay

For the artist see George Lazarnick, Netsuke and Inro Artists and How to Read Their Signatures, (Honolulu, 1982), vol. 1, p. 513.

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