Page 58 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

50 | TOMOTADA: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE
OF A DOG WITH HAMAGURI CLAM
By Tomotada, signed Tomotada
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Published: Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, Vol. 1, pp. 20f.,
no. K46.

The slender hound lies on the ground, leaning on its elbow and
holding a hamaguri clam between its forepaws and licking it. The
eyes, with inlaid pupils of dark horn, are downturned as it fixates
the shell with a gleeful expression. The dog wears a collar, has
beautifully carved floppy ears, splendid curvature to the body,
an expressed spine and an emaciated rib cage. The hairwork is
masterfully incised, and characteristically worn. The backside has
developed a rich honey patina and the underside shows large,
hollow and asymmetrical himotoshi, exactly as they should be.
Signed in a rectangular reserve TOMOTADA 友忠.

LENGTH 4.8 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with expected wear and age cracks.
Very good patina.
Provenance: Julius and Arlette Katchen collection, Paris. Offered at
Sotheby’s, The Katchen Collection of Netsuke Part II, 13 July 2006,
London, lot 258 (Estimate 15.000 – 18.000 GBP). Then sold by Max
Rutherston privately to a German collector.
Estimate EUR 20.000,-
Starting price EUR 10.000,-

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