A wood netsuke of a recumbent dog

By Masanao, Kyoto, late 18th century

By Masanao, Kyoto, late 18th century
Signed in an oval reserve Masanao.
4.8cm (1 7/8in) wide.

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Provenance:
Andrew Somlyo collection, purchased 1965.

Published:
Katchen, N7, vol.1, p.27, no.K39.

Lying with its head turned to the right, its tail curled and its legs drawn in for compactness, the slightly worn wood with a good patina and the pupils inlaid.

The attitude is very similar to the ivory study of a dog by Tomotada from the Katchen collection, sold in these rooms, 10 May 2017, lot 120.

For a somewhat similar example, see London Netsuke Committee, Contrasting Styles, 1980, p.17, no.19.