AN EXQUISITE HIRADO PORCELAIN NETSUKE OF A PUPPY

AN EXQUISITE HIRADO PORCELAIN NETSUKE OF A PUPPY

Unsigned
Japan, 19th century

Finely and sensitively modeled, the recumbent dog with the head raised and turned to one side, wearing a plain fabric collar tied at the back of the neck, the short tail elegantly swung to one side, the animal further detailed with almond-shaped eyes, floppy ears, and neatly incised fur, the underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi.

LENGTH 4 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and firing irregularities.
Provenance: Ex-collection Conte Don Enrico Lucchesi Palli, Monarch of Campofranco. Purchased in 1889, when he accompanied his cousin Enrico (Henry), Prince of Parma, Earl of Bardi, on a tour of the world from 1887-1891. By descent within the same family. With an old Japanese collector's label to the base.

Auction comparison:
Compare a near identical Hirado porcelain netsuke of a puppy, unsigned, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 311 (sold for EUR 1,696).