Ɏ A FINE MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECLINING GOAT

Lot details Unsigned Japan, Kyoto, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868) Of compact form, the tusk carved as a recumbent goat with its head turned to the side, the forelegs tucked under, and the shaggy coat finely engraved with accentuated lines. The face with its characteristically long snout, scrolling beard, eyes to the sides with pupils inlaid in dark horn, and curling horns to the top. The animal's inherent strength and toughness are perfectly expressed, inspiring those born under the sign of hitsuji (Year of the Ram) to overcome any difficulty with strength and perseverance. Two himotoshi through the underside. The netsuke is carved from a section of variegating tusk, the underside with a semi-translucent yellowish hue and beautiful deep patina. LENGTH 4.4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and natural age cracks. Provenance: Paul Moss, Sydney Moss Ltd., London. A North German collection, acquired from the above. The type of fur design and the expressive head with long snout and curved horns suggest a Kyoto studio. The goat (hitsuji) is the eighth zodiac animal and is responsible for the 6th month and the hours between 1pm and 3pm. Goats and sheep were not originally indigenous to Japan and were introduced there. Netsuke representations of these animals do not allow an exact distinction between goat and sheep or ram. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a goat (hitsuji), 18th century, at Zacke, 7th Exhibition 1988, Vienna, no. 63. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a reclining goat, mid-19th century, sold at Lempertz, Japan II-Armour, Netsuke, Inro, Sagemono incl. The Papp Collection II, 7 December 2018, Cologne, lot 480 (sold for EUR 7,500). Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 202/23HH).Unsigned Japan, Kyoto, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868) Of compact form, the tusk carved as a recumbent goat with its head turned to the side, the forelegs tucked under, and the shaggy coat finely engraved with accentuated lines. The face with its characteristically long snout, scrolling beard, eyes to the sides with pupils inlaid in dark horn, and curling horns to the top. The animal's inherent strength and toughness are perfectly expressed, inspiring those born under the sign of hitsuji (Year of the Ram) to overcome any difficulty with strength and perseverance. Two himotoshi through the underside. The netsuke is carved from a section of variegating tusk, the underside with a semi-translucent yellowish hue and beautiful deep patina. LENGTH 4.4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and natural age cracks. Provenance: Paul Moss, Sydney Moss Ltd., London. A North German collection, acquired from the above. The type of fur design and the expressive head with long snout and curved horns suggest a Kyoto studio. The goat (hitsuji) is the eighth zodiac animal and is responsible for the 6th month and the hours between 1pm and 3pm. Goats and sheep were not originally indigenous to Japan and were introduced there. Netsuke representations of these animals do not allow an exact distinction between goat and sheep or ram. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a goat (hitsuji), 18th century, at Zacke, 7th Exhibition 1988, Vienna, no. 63. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a reclining goat, mid-19th century, sold at Lempertz, Japan II-Armour, Netsuke, Inro, Sagemono incl. The Papp Collection II, 7 December 2018, Cologne, lot 480 (sold for EUR 7,500). Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 202/23HH).

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