A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT HORSE

A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT HORSE

Unsigned
Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Published: O'Brien, Mary Louise (1980) Netsuke: A Guide for Collectors, no .7.

Masterfully carved with naturalistic detail, the resting horse with its head turned to the right and its ears pricked up. The mane is finely incised with hair falling to either side of the neck. Two well-excavated himotoshi to the vase. The wood is of an attractive grain with a rich, naturally grown patina.

LENGTH 5.5 cm

Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear.
Provenance: Collection of William de Rham. Christie's London, 14 November 2001, lot 12. Ex-collection Guy de Lasteyrie, acquired from the above. William de Rham (b. 1922) was born in Saint-Sulpice, Switzerland. He developed a passion for horseback riding in his youth, competing from an early age in numerous equestrian events. He competed for the Swiss Olympic equestrian team in the 1956 Olympics in Sweden. His passion for horses grew into a passion for collecting equestrian-related art.

The artist captured the animal with incredible naturalism; note the rotund haunches and stomach which elegantly bulge underneath its own weight. Along with this, the eyes of the horse look out across the body, giving the graceful animal a lifelike brilliance.