A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A WOLF AND SKELETON, ATTRIBUTED TO SHOKO SUGONOYA

A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A WOLF AND SKELETON, ATTRIBUTED TO SHOKO SUGONOYA

Attributed to Shoko Sugonoya, unsigned
Japan, Takayama, Hida province, mid to late 19th century

The okimono-style netsuke finely carved as a wolf and skeleton embroiled in a vicious fight, the skeleton with one of its hands at the wolf's neck, the other above his head ready to swing at the beast, while the wolf paws the skeleton's arm and jaw with a wild look in its eyes. The skeleton with superbly carved, openworked ribs and the wolf with finely incised fur and double-inlaid eyes of polished bone and dark horn. Natural himotoshi.

LENGTH 5.1 cm

Condition: Very good condition with only minor wear.

The skeleton-and-wolf netsuke is an allusion to the tragic story of unrequited love between the military leader Fukakusa Shosho and the celebrated poetess Ono no Komachi. The former died while trying to convince the latter of his love for her. She was left to live the rest of her long life in solitude. Her pride is personified by the skeleton whilst the passion of Fukakusa is represented by the wolf.

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related netsuke by Shoko in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum, accession number AC1998.249.281.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a wolf and skeleton, also unsigned and attributed to Shoko, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 June 2023, Vienna, lot 347 (sold for EUR 6,500).