hornbill ivory netsukeJapan, late 19th centuryHornbill ivory netsuke (from the helmeted hornbill or rhinoplax vigil) are very rare and difficult to carve, as the material tends to be unforgiving and the natural shape of the bill often must be incorporated into the work, depending on what section of the beak is used. The shape of the beak is recognizable in this netsuke, with the tapering end being wafer-thin, and the red section of the bill being expressed on the sides. The two birds are huddled side by side looking askance at each other. The plumage is very well carved, himotoshi on the reverse and the eyes inlaid with the red material from the horn.HEIGHT 5 CMCondition: Excellent conditionProvenance: British collectionAuction comparison: For another netsuke carved from this rare material see Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part III, London, 6 November 2018, lot 62.

Category:

Netsuke

Subcategory:

-

Subject:

Animal

Material:

Hornbill

Age/Country:

19th Century

Artist:

-

Provenance/Owner:

Galerie Zacke

Signed:

unsigned

Type:

Katabori

Height:

mm

Width:

50mm mm

Depth:

mm

ID number: