TADAKAZU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A TURTLE PILE

TADAKAZU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A TURTLE PILE
By Tadakazu (Chuichi), signed Tadakazu 忠一
Japan, Osaka, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A captivatingly dense wood netsuke full of individual character and charm depicting four young turtles on top of a larger turtle, forming a pile. Each one is smiling, with inlaid eyes of dark horn, all with the same goal – to get to the top where the sun is the strongest and to enjoy a healthy sunbathing. The wood is of a good color, attractively stained, and the turtles are carved with masterful detail. Particular attention has been given to the carapace of each of the five reptilians. Large and irregular himotoshi underneath, rimmed on the inside in horn, as well as the signature in an oval reserve TADAKAZU. The present netsuke underlines why the artist became famous for this model.

HEIGHT 5 cm

Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Purchased at Sotheby's New York, 16th October 2001, lot 19.