A FINE WALRUS TUSK NETSUKE OF DAIKOKU HOLDING A RAT

A FINE WALRUS TUSK NETSUKE OF DAIKOKU HOLDING A RAT

Unsigned
Japan, second half of 19th century

Finely carved as the lucky god Daikoku seated, leaning on a large rice bale, and lifting his arm where a small rat charmingly perched itself. The details are finely stained, and the material is superbly polished, bearing a natural gleam, and with milky inclusions to the tusk. Two small himotoshi to the base.

LENGTH 3.5 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor expected wear.

Auction comparison:
Compare a related walrus tusk netsuke of Daikoku with his bag, unsigned and likely by the same artist, dated 19th century, at Lempertz, Asiatische Kunst, 25 June 2021, Cologne, lot 794 (sold for EUR 1,625).

This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.