AN IMPORTANT TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONGOLIAN ARCHERIvory netsuke. Japan, 18th centuryWorks like this one are often described as Mongolian archers. This particularly large netsuke leaves a strong impression, a real sculpture so true to life as if one was seeing this man in a lonely spot in the dark night, illuminated only by the pale moonlight. The inspiration for this work is unclear; the Mongol invasion, a fascinating event in the late 13th century that has had a deep impact on Japan’s history, can be ruled out, as it occurred five hundred years earlier and the paintings of the time do not indicate this. It is also questionable that the hunter is a Mongol, as the Jurchen people for example were known as hunters in the Siberian forests. The work could also depict a generic ‘Siberian hunter’. The strong archer is wearing a wide hat and has a full beard, with a dead rabbit on his belt. There are many imaginative details that make this such an attractive work; his eyes are wide open and his mouth is opened as if screaming, with fine katabori-carved garment, decorative patterns with vines, meanders and honeycombs. A lion mask on his belt, quiver with arrows hanging around his back with large himotoshi underneath. The entire rear side shows floral decorations. A fur tassle on the hat and half a chrysanthemum on the hat’s brim, which appears rather unusual! Deep patina especially on the rear. Condition: Good, complete and original condition; the netsuke shows a deep patina, the backside especially with a honey yellow, smooth worn patina; a small section of the hat has been reattached Provenance: From the collection of Marcel Lorber, then Austrian private collection Published:: Illustrated in color on the cover of “Netsuke” by Wolfmar Zacken (1987) – no. 1HEIGHT 9.9 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