Page 62 - Fine Japanese Art March 27, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Okimono

53 | TOMOTADA: A POWERFUL IVORY
NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX
Signed Tomotada
Japan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The bulky ox is resting on its four legs and has a naturalistic and
powerful expression, typical for Kyoto-works of oxen by the great
18th century master Tomotada. The eyes are inlaid with black horn,
the hairwork is very fine and the rope that passes through the ring
around the nose is minutely carved and reaches around to its back.
The ivory has a very good color and fine patina, especially to the
underside which is masterfully carved. Note the expressive skin
fold of the neck, which adds a special touch to the composition.
The himotoshi on the underside are irregular and well hollowed
out, exactly as they should be. The signature TOMOTADA 友忠 can
be found in-between the himotoshi in the characteristic square
reserve, and just like the rest of the composition, is coherent.
LENGTH 6.5 cm

Condition: Very good condition; age cracks as expected and
consistent with the age.
Provenance: Collection of Sam Felton with CITES permit no.
18US59513C/9. Purchased from Bernard Hurtig in 1976 (old invoice
available).
Auction comparison: For a similar ox by Tomotada see Sotheby’s,
Japanese and Korean Works of Art, London, 14 July 2005, lot 1073.
For another ox by Tomotada, in different style, but with the same
color and similar skin fold on the neck see the Julius and Arlette
Katchen Sale of Fine Netsuke Part II, London, 10 May 2017, lot 53.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,-
52 | TOMOTADA: AN
IVORY NETSUKE OF
A RECUMBENT OX
Signed Tomotada
Japan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)

A vividly crafted representation of a
recumbent ox, the rope halter passing
through the nose and over the back, and the
finely carved tail swinging around over to the
animal’s side. The expression is naturalistic,
enhanced by inlaid pupils of black lustrous
horn. The underside is especially attractive
with a glistening honey-orange patina and
the neatly carved legs tucked underneath
its body. Asymmetrical, deep himotoshi
and signature in a rectangular reserve
TOMOTADA 友忠. The leg which houses the
himotoshi is carved very much in the manner
of Masanao of Kyoto.
LENGTH 6.5 cm
Condition: Age cracks, minor surface wear
– stunning patina. The right ear with a small
chip.
Provenance: French private collection.
Estimate EUR 3.000,-
Starting price EUR 1.500,-

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