AN IVORY NETSUKE BY KANGYOKU OF A GOATIvory netsuke. Japan, 20th centuryKangyoku is one of the best-known and greatest netsuke masters of the last century. However, he is the third to use this name, his father and a brother of his father having studied under Hojitsu, one of the best netsuke carvers in Japan, who lived in Tokyo. This netsuke mirrors Hojitsu and his work in an interesting way, with a rich, dense nature, figural wholeness and lively expression. The earthy depiction is reminiscent of the tale of Koshohei, a hermit in the mountains, whose herd of goats turned into rocks but could be brought back to life at any time with his cane. Signature KAN-GYOKU 寬 玉 on the underside on one of the legs with small himotoshi beside it. Note:: Kangyoku was born in 1944 and still lives today, but no longer works due to his failing eyesight. After the death of his father (Kangyoku II), the family became completely impoverished and Kangyoku was forced to carve netsuke to earn a minimum income. He is doubtlessly the greatest of all Kangyokus, with no works by the other two being documented. Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: From a French private collection, acquired at Tajan Paris on 21st December 1973, lot 303HEIGHT 3.6 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