Ɏ A FINE KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A SQUIRREL ON MUSHROOM

Lot details Unsigned Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved as a squirrel clambering on an upturned mushroom raising its hindleg to scratch an itch with satisfaction, its bushy tail swept under the thick mushroom stalk. The upturned fungi with naturalistically carved radial gills, its long stalk uncut and slightly curved in the center. The rodent with eyes inlaid in dark horn and fur finely incised and stained. Large and functional himotoshi through the stem and cap. LENGTH 5.4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor, mostly intentional, wear and expected age cracks. Beautiful, deep patina. Squirrels are rarely seen in Japanese art and are usually depicted amongst grapes; the motif being imported from China where it is a highly auspicious subject signifying an abundance in fortune and offspring. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a squirrel on a mushroom, illustrated in Barry Davies Oriental Art, The Netsuke Collection of W.G Bosshard Part 1, no. 73. Barry Davies notes on this piece: “This is undoubtedly a Kyoto School work, and probably by Okatomo, or a close follower. The upturned mushroom is very similar to those he carved with rats and monkeys.” Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2301000018-K).Unsigned Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved as a squirrel clambering on an upturned mushroom raising its hindleg to scratch an itch with satisfaction, its bushy tail swept under the thick mushroom stalk. The upturned fungi with naturalistically carved radial gills, its long stalk uncut and slightly curved in the center. The rodent with eyes inlaid in dark horn and fur finely incised and stained. Large and functional himotoshi through the stem and cap. LENGTH 5.4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor, mostly intentional, wear and expected age cracks. Beautiful, deep patina. Squirrels are rarely seen in Japanese art and are usually depicted amongst grapes; the motif being imported from China where it is a highly auspicious subject signifying an abundance in fortune and offspring. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a squirrel on a mushroom, illustrated in Barry Davies Oriental Art, The Netsuke Collection of W.G Bosshard Part 1, no. 73. Barry Davies notes on this piece: “This is undoubtedly a Kyoto School work, and probably by Okatomo, or a close follower. The upturned mushroom is very similar to those he carved with rats and monkeys.” Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2301000018-K).

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