An ivory netsuke of Mendes Pinto, by Kosen. Late 19th century - image-1

Lot 301 D‡α

An ivory netsuke of Mendes Pinto, by Kosen. Late 19th century

Auction 1157 - overview Cologne
27.06.2020, 11:00 - Asian Art
Estimate: 1.400 € - 1.800 €
Result: 1.625 € (incl. premium)
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An ivory netsuke of Mendes Pinto, by Kosen. Late 19th century

Dressed in a long cloud patterned robe, wearing the typical tassel hat and holding a kirin on a leash behind him. Signed Kosen horu. Chipped.
Height 6.7 cm

Fernão Mendes Pinto's (ca. 1509 - 8 July 1583) representation with a kirin, a mythical animal originating from China, allows different interpretations.
As a peace-loving creature, the kirin is said to appear with the imminent arrival or passing of an illustrious ruler. The fact that the kirin is kept on a leash, however, suggests that the arrival of Pinto and the Portuguese might not bring peace. An inscription to the reverse side indicates their arrival date (1539).

Provenance

Private collection, Rhineland

Literature

Cf. a very similar piece by the same carver in: Neil Davey, Netsuke, London 1982, p. 42