A RARE AND FINE NETSUKE OF AN EAGLE AND MONKEY BY MUGAI
Wood netsukeJapan, most likely Tanba19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Illustrated in ‘Kunst der Netsuke und Inro Japans’, Wolfmar Zacken, Vienna, 1991A truly well-crafted work by a very rare artist! Only the name and unmistakable signature are referenced in literature, but no works are listed. Mugai means “without vision, dreams” but one can rest assured that the artist had both. Again, an outstandingly carved netsuke, in some ways reminiscent of Toyomasa from Tamba, the eyes characteristically inlaid in pale, translucent horn. Mugai renders this dramatic scene in a lively manner; the monkey is crying out and trying to escape, fighting for its life, but the stronger bird of prey is relentless. The feathers and fur are marvelously carved with great attention to detail, the bird’s sharp face with yellow inlaid eyes that glow from the dark wood. The wood is deeply browned, the composition is cohesive apart from the monkey trying to flee. Signature MUGAI on the monkey’s belly, natural himotoshi.HEIGHT 3.5 CMCondition: Excellent conditionProvenance: Austrian private collectionAuction comparison: For an almost identical piece, unsigned but most likely by the same artist/school, but of slightly lesser quality see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, London, 10 November 2016, lot 249.Literature: For a very similar piece by Masatsugu see ‘in Search for Netsuke and Inro’ by George Cohen, London, 1974, no.248