A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SHISHI SCRATCHING ITS JOWL, ATTRIBUTED TO RISUKE GARAKU

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SHISHI SCRATCHING ITS JOWL, ATTRIBUTED TO RISUKE GARAKU

Attributed to Risuke Garaku, unsigned
Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Seated, almost upright, with its head turned slightly to the right, one muscular arm supporting its weight as the beast scratches its jowl viciously, satisfying an itch. The body boldly carved with curling fur and a bushy mane. The slightly worn wood bearing a fine patina. Good himotoshi to the back and underside.

LENGTH 5 cm

Condition: Restoration to the edge of one ear and the toes of two paws. Some minor wear along the edges of the paws. Otherwise good condition and bearing a fine patina.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related wood netsuke of Shishi scratching its jowl, attributed to Risuke Garaku, at Galerie Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 3 November 2023, Vienna, lot 137 (sold for EUR 2,860). Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a seated shishi, attributed to Risuke Garaku and signed Garaku, at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 30 (sold for GBP 10,000).