A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF KUMAGAI NAOZANE ON HORSEBACK

A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF KUMAGAI NAOZANE ON HORSEBACK
Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

This finely carved wood netsuke depicts a famous scene from the battle of Ichi-no-Tani (1184) where the warrior Kumagai no Jiro Naozane pursues and ultimately beheads the teenage prince Taira no Atsumori. The netsuke depicts Kumagai on horseback, the horse fiercely galloping with its legs spread wide apart. Kumagai, dressed in full armor, holds a war fan (tessen), a large brocade bag tied to his back and supported by the horse's swinging tail. The wood of a good color with a fine, natural hand patina. The horse's eyes are inlaid in pale horn. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside. The subject is very rarely seen in netsuke art.

LENGTH 4.2 cm

Condition: The horse's front feet are repaired. Otherwise excellent condition with a fine patina.
Provenance: US private collection.