A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX, ATTRIBUTED TO OKATOMO

A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX, ATTRIBUTED TO OKATOMO

Attributed to Yamaguchi Okatomo, signed Tomotada 友忠
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A fine and powerfully crafted ivory netsuke of a recumbent ox with his head turned to the left, the eyes carefully inlaid in dark horn giving life to the expression. The bulky animal has a pronounced spine, a finely incised fur coat, and a rope halter passes through the nose ring, over the horns and all the way around to its tail, ending in a little loop. The underside is beautifully carved as well, showing the hooves tucked beneath the body. Generously excavated and asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside. Signed within a rectangular reserve between the himotoshi TOMOTADA – however much more likely a work by his star pupil Okatomo.

LENGTH 6 cm

Condition: Very good condition with only minor wear and expected age cracks. Beautiful, deep patina.
Provenance: Old Viennese private collection.

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related, albeit more worn, ivory netsuke of a recumbent ox, signed Okatomo, illustrated in Ducros, Alain (1987) Netsuke & Sagemono 2, p. 52, no. 24.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a cow, signed Tomotada, also probably by Okatomo, dated late 18th to early 19th century, at Zacke, Asian Art Discovers, 21 January 2021, Vienna, lot 346 (sold for EUR 8,848).

Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 24-B-0096).

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.