A GOOD KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO RESTING BOARS

A GOOD KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO RESTING BOARS
Unsigned
Japan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The netsuke depicts a tranquil scene of a boar and its young resting on a bed of autumn leaves and grasses, with two branches extending from the bottom and resting on the larger boar's back. The adult boar rests its head against a rock, and quite unusually, the eyes are opened and inlaid in dark horn. Several leaves and grasses are carved across its face, and the board looks tired, as if it has just woken up. In contrast, its young is serenely sleeping, closely huddled up to its parent. The beautifully carved underside with very good, asymmetrical himotoshi, the larger one through the rock. The underside showing a very appealing, warm, yellowish patina.

LENGTH 5.1 cm

Condition: Good, worn condition. Several expected age cracks. Old chips to the stem extending up the adult boar's back, some smaller nicks to the edges throughout. Beautiful patina to the underside.
Provenance: Private collection Paris, France, acquired from the local art market.
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