KANO TESSAI: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF AN 18th CENTURY GRAZING HORSE

KANO TESSAI: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF AN 18th CENTURY GRAZING HORSE
By Kano Tessai (1845-1925), signed Tessai 鐵哉 to 刀 and sealed Tessai 鐵哉
Japan, late 19th to early 20th century

Carved by Kano Tessai (1845-1925) who is known to have engaged in copying old objects and is perhaps most famous for his copies of old Gigaku masks. The netsuke is carved after the classic 18th century ivory netsuke depicting a grazing horse, a model Tessai surely encountered and which became the inspiration for the present netsuke. When comparing the carving of the tail and signature it is evident these were carved at the same time. The backside is finely stained emulating the rich honey patina of this type. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi. Signed Tessai to (carved) and sealed Tessai.

HEIGHT 5.9 cm

Condition: Very good condition. Age cracks.
Provenance: Acquired at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2016, London, lot 183 (sold for 1.250 GBP).
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