A rare wood netsuke of a nursing ningyo, by Kokei. Early 19th century - image-1

Lot 752 Dα

A rare wood netsuke of a nursing ningyo, by Kokei. Early 19th century

Auction 1044 - overview Cologne
06.12.2014, 10:30 - The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke, Japanese Art
Estimate: 2.000 € - 2.500 €
Result: 8.556 € (incl. premium)

A rare wood netsuke of a nursing ningyo, by Kokei. Early 19th century

Tenderly holding a child with both hands as it feeds at one breast, and grabbing the other breast, her tail curling over in a protective manner and forming the himotôshi. Signed Kokei in a raised oval reserve.
Height 2.7 cm; length 4.2 cm

Several netsuke of this subject by Kokei are known (former collections Trower, Bushell, Carré).

Provenance

Betty Jahss, New York (sold at Sotheby’s, London, 13.6.1991, Lot 87)