A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A JAKONEKO (MUSK CAT)

A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A JAKONEKO (MUSK CAT)

Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A finely carved, charming depiction of a jakoneko with its head raised over crossed forelimbs and curled paws. The coat incised with accentuated lines, falling in heavy tresses over its body, parted down the spine. The face with a gently turned snout, floppy ears, eyes inlaid in dark horn, and a scrolling beard. Generously excavated, asymmetrical himotoshi to the underside which shows the superbly carved paws and a gorgeous honey patina.

LENGTH 5.3 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and age cracks.
Provenance: Sotheby's, Fine Netsuke, Inro, and Lacquer, 6 October 1982, lot 6. The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris, acquired from the above.

The jakoneko or musk cat, often called a shaggy dog, is of African origin and entered Japan via India, where it became popular for its musk, used for perfumes.

Museum comparison:
Compare a related ivory netsuke of a shaggy dog, attributed to Gechu, in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), accession number AC1998.249.94.

Literature comparison:
Compare a related ivory netsuke of a shaggy dog, by Okatomo, illustrated in Barry Davies Oriental Art, The Netsuke Collection of W.G Bosshard Part 1, no. 134.

Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2307513760-K).

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.