AN EXCELLENT KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TIGER ON BAMBOO
Unsigned
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The tiger (tora) seated on top of a leafy node of bamboo (take), another smaller node carved next to it. The tiger is carved powerfully, depicted in movement, sharply turning its head to its left and looking upwards disgruntledly. The fur is minutely incised and inked, the stripes left plain. Very good patina to the backside. One himotoshi through the bamboo stalk underneath the tiger, the other through the ‘natural’ opening of the bamboo.
This motif is called take ni tora, “tiger in bamboo”. There are many different interpretations; the tiger has a strong nature, is flexible and resilient like the bamboo, but it is also said that the strong tiger is looking for shelter underneath the bamboo, as any earthly power is inferior to the forces of nature. Moreover, the tiger and bamboo represent the power of faith in Buddhism.
LENGTH 4.9 cm
Condition: Very good condition with age-appropriate wear and very few expected age cracks.
Provenance: British collection.
Auction comparison:
A related netsuke was sold by Van Ham, Asian Art, 7 December 2017, Cologne, lot 2336 (sold for 3.000 EUR). Another was sold by Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 19 March 2013, New York, lot 2133 (sold for 6.875 USD).
Lot details
Unsigned
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The tiger (tora) seated on top of a leafy node of bamboo (take), another smaller node carved next to it. The tiger is carved powerfully, depicted in movement, sharply turning its head to its left and looking upwards disgruntledly. The fur is minutely incised and inked, the stripes left plain. Very good patina to the backside. One himotoshi through the bamboo stalk underneath the tiger, the other through the ‘natural’ opening of the bamboo.
This motif is called take ni tora, “tiger in bamboo”. There are many different interpretations; the tiger has a strong nature, is flexible and resilient like the bamboo, but it is also said that the strong tiger is looking for shelter underneath the bamboo, as any earthly power is inferior to the forces of nature. Moreover, the tiger and bamboo represent the power of faith in Buddhism.
LENGTH 4.9 cm
Condition: Very good condition with age-appropriate wear and very few expected age cracks.
Provenance: British collection.
Auction comparison:
A related netsuke was sold by Van Ham, Asian Art, 7 December 2017, Cologne, lot 2336 (sold for 3.000 EUR). Another was sold by Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 19 March 2013, New York, lot 2133 (sold for 6.875 USD).
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
Unsigned
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The tiger (tora) seated on top of a leafy node of bamboo (take), another smaller node carved next to it. The tiger is carved powerfully, depicted in movement, sharply turning its head to its left and looking upwards disgruntledly. The fur is minutely incised and inked, the stripes left plain. Very good patina to the backside. One himotoshi through the bamboo stalk underneath the tiger, the other through the ‘natural’ opening of the bamboo.
This motif is called take ni tora, “tiger in bamboo”. There are many different interpretations; the tiger has a strong nature, is flexible and resilient like the bamboo, but it is also said that the strong tiger is looking for shelter underneath the bamboo, as any earthly power is inferior to the forces of nature. Moreover, the tiger and bamboo represent the power of faith in Buddhism.
LENGTH 4.9 cm
Condition: Very good condition with age-appropriate wear and very few expected age cracks.
Provenance: British collection.
Auction comparison:
A related netsuke was sold by Van Ham, Asian Art, 7 December 2017, Cologne, lot 2336 (sold for 3.000 EUR). Another was sold by Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 19 March 2013, New York, lot 2133 (sold for 6.875 USD).
Lot details
Unsigned
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The tiger (tora) seated on top of a leafy node of bamboo (take), another smaller node carved next to it. The tiger is carved powerfully, depicted in movement, sharply turning its head to its left and looking upwards disgruntledly. The fur is minutely incised and inked, the stripes left plain. Very good patina to the backside. One himotoshi through the bamboo stalk underneath the tiger, the other through the ‘natural’ opening of the bamboo.
This motif is called take ni tora, “tiger in bamboo”. There are many different interpretations; the tiger has a strong nature, is flexible and resilient like the bamboo, but it is also said that the strong tiger is looking for shelter underneath the bamboo, as any earthly power is inferior to the forces of nature. Moreover, the tiger and bamboo represent the power of faith in Buddhism.
LENGTH 4.9 cm
Condition: Very good condition with age-appropriate wear and very few expected age cracks.
Provenance: British collection.
Auction comparison:
A related netsuke was sold by Van Ham, Asian Art, 7 December 2017, Cologne, lot 2336 (sold for 3.000 EUR). Another was sold by Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 19 March 2013, New York, lot 2133 (sold for 6.875 USD).
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
