AN IVORY NETSUKE BY IKKOSAI TOUN OF A MONKEY AND OCTOPUSIvory netsuke. Japan, 19th century, Meiji periodThis ivory netsuke shows the two animals fighting. The monkey is trapped in the octopus’ tentacles and is struggling to break free. It is gripping the tako on its head, grabbing a chunk of its leathery skin. The octopus’ inset eyes are bulging, its nose is pulled up. The serpentine tentacles clutching the monkey make this a compact and excellently crafted composition. The monkey’s fur is very densely carved and colored darkbrown, creating a fine contrast between the two foes, as the tako is very smooth, with a yellowish patina. The typical signature is found on the underside. Several natural openings serve as himotoshi. Ikkosai Toun (1804-1876), known previously for figural depictions and compact, congregations of animals, according to Meinertzhagen, was good friends with Meikesai Hojitsu and Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, when he moved to Tokio due to financial opportunities which occurred in the light of the opening of Japan during the Meiji period. All three are famous for their monkey carvings, amongst others. All distinct in their style, but what connects them is the irrefutable quality, the treatment of the fur and the precise and effective staining of the material. Undoubtedly they influenced each other during that period, competing to make the very best carvings of monkeys. Condition: Good, complete condition – minor rubbing to staining Provenance: From the collection of Marcel Lorber, afterwards Austrian private collectionHEIGHT 3.5 CM, LENGTH 4 CMThis lot is subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora [CITES]. It may only be exported outside the European Union after an export permit in accordance with CITES has been granted by the Austrian authorities. Zacke Gallery cannot and does not guarantee that such export permit may or will be obtained, but will by order of the winning bidder, once and exclusively after the item in question has been paid in full, apply to obtain such a permit at a fixed administrative fee of €100,- per application (fee valid for 'Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono' auction only). This process usually takes 6 months, and most permits we have applied for, have been granted in the past. Our team is happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding this process