An ivory netsuke of a boar and young

School of Tomotada, Kyoto, Edo period (1615-1868), late 18th century

School of Tomotada, Kyoto, Edo period (1615-1868), late 18th century
The former lying asleep on a bed of ferns, nuts and leaves while its offspring lies at its side, its head resting on its parent's trailing hind leg, the ivory somewhat worn; inscribed in a rectangular reserve Tomotada. 6cm (2 3/8in) wide.

A number of netsuke of sleeping wild boars by Tomotada and his school are recorded, see Neil K. Davey, Netsuke: A Comprehensive Study Based on the M. T. Hindson Collection, London, Faber & Faber Limited London and Sotheby Parke Bernet Publications, 1974, pp.69-70, nos.178 and 179, although a boar with its young is rarely depicted.