Quinn’s in suburban Washington, DC to auction revered 60-year Mang netsuke collection, Dec. 7 Netsukes -- those 'small wonders’ of the Asian art world -- were collected for 60+ years by the late Jack and Helen Mang. Their premier estate collection will be auctioned by Quinn's on Dec. 7.
right leg. The Mangs purchased the piece from R. Koscherak in 1951, while their collection was still in its infancy. Estimate: $1,800-$2,200.
A most unusual wood netsuke simulates a grouping of five realistically carved turtles climbing over a larger sixth turtle that forms the base for the piece. Crafted by Hoju in the mid-19th century, the netsuke is artist-signed on an inlaid oval ivory plate. It comes to auction with an estimate of $1,800-$2,000.
A wonderful ivory netsuke of the Lunar Hare, attributed to Shigmasa No. 3, Osaka, dates to the second half of the 19th century. The red-eyed hare is depicted as though climbing up the side of the moon, grasping a rice pounder in its left paw. Provenance: Sotheby’s London, Dec. 20, 1967, Lot 374. Estimate: $2,500-$3,000.
On the subject of hares, Quinn said a much wider audience has become aware of netsukes since the publication of the New York Times bestseller The Hare with Amber Eyes. “We see new bidders entering the competition whenever a long-held collection of netsukes comes to auction. It will be interesting to see if the popularity of this book adds a new level to the competition already expected for this legendary collection,” said Quinn.
As a tribute to the Mangs, INS president Marsha Vargas will present a lecture on Saturday, Dec. 1 at Quinn’s gallery. Vargas will speak on highlights of the Mang collection and her memories of the Mangs themselves. The event also includes a preview of the Mang collection and a catered reception. All interested parties are invited to attend.
Additionally, netsuke books from the Mangs’ personal library will be offered in Waverly Rare Books’ Dec. 6 evening sale. A selection of inro and ojime with a few netsukes attached will be featured in the Asian portion of Quinn’s Dec. 8 Decorative Arts sale.
The Friday, Dec. 7 auction of the 1,100-piece (632-lot) Mang collection of Japanese netsuke will commence at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, with all forms of bidding available, including live online through LiveAuctioneers.com, Artfact.com, the-saleroom.com and iCollector.com.
Quinn’s is located at 360 S. Washington St., Falls Church, VA 22046. For information on any item in the upcoming auction, call 703-532-5632 or e-mail info@quinnsauction.com. Visit Quinn’s website at www.quinnsauction.com.
CAPTION FOR IMAGE AT TOP:
Ivory netsuke of Dutchman with karako seated on right shoulder, carved by Yoshinaga Miura Kanjuken, mid-19th century. Provenance: Purchased from R. Koscherak, 1951. Est. $1,800-$2,200. Quinn’s Auction Galleries image.
