A FINE TANBA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF TENGU NO TOMAGO

A FINE TANBA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF TENGU NO TOMAGO
Unsigned
Japan, Tanba, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A fine and ideally shaped wood netsuke depicting a karasu tengu hatching from an egg, also known as 'tengu no tomago'. The carving is executed in typical Tanba school style and could confidently wear the signature of Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856) or one of his pupils. The wood is of a characteristic reddish color, finely polished, and the carving of the mythical creature's feathers and wings are extremely fine with immaculate incision work. The eyes, as well, are inlaid in the typical manner of the Toyomasa school with gleaming yellowish horn with drilled pupils which peer to the right, giving life to the tengu's amusing expression. Very good, asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside.

HEIGHT 3.7 cm, LENGTH 3.9 cm

Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: British private collection.

Auction comparison:
Compare to a similar netsuke signed Toyomasa, sold by Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 November 2015, London, lot 112 (sold for 6.000 GBP).