TOMOTADA: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF AN EMACIATED WOLF WITH MONKEY
TOMOTADA: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF AN EMACIATED WOLF WITH MONKEY
By Tomotada, signed Tomotada 友忠
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A large, powerful, and very expressive ivory netsuke of an emaciated wolf or yama-inu (mountain dog). The voracious beast has large inlaid eye-pupils of dark horn and an opened mouth, showing the sharp rows of teeth, as it pins down a poor helpless monkey, which it is about to devour. The monkey's expression is crafted very well as it struggles, holding onto the wolf's jaw, trying to break free. The fur of the pair is carved exceptionally well, and the shoulder bones, ribs and spine of the wolf are particularly highlighted. Much of the original staining is present, appropriately worn at the high points. Signed underneath the left haunch TOMOTADA within a rectangular reserve. Natural himotoshi.
LENGTH 5.6 cm, HEIGHT 3.2 cm
Condition: Excellent condition, fine patina.
Provenance: Ex collection Jacques H. Carré.
Auction comparison:
For a Tomotada wolf with crab see Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 121 (sold for 15.000 GBP).
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TOMOTADA: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF AN EMACIATED WOLF WITH MONKEY
By Tomotada, signed Tomotada 友忠
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A large, powerful, and very expressive ivory netsuke of an emaciated wolf or yama-inu (mountain dog). The voracious beast has large inlaid eye-pupils of dark horn and an opened mouth, showing the sharp rows of teeth, as it pins down a poor helpless monkey, which it is about to devour. The monkey's expression is crafted very well as it struggles, holding onto the wolf's jaw, trying to break free. The fur of the pair is carved exceptionally well, and the shoulder bones, ribs and spine of the wolf are particularly highlighted. Much of the original staining is present, appropriately worn at the high points. Signed underneath the left haunch TOMOTADA within a rectangular reserve. Natural himotoshi.
LENGTH 5.6 cm, HEIGHT 3.2 cm
Condition: Excellent condition, fine patina.
Provenance: Ex collection Jacques H. Carré.
Auction comparison:
For a Tomotada wolf with crab see Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 121 (sold for 15.000 GBP).
Automatically translated by DeepL. To see the original version, click here.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
