Page 54 - Fine Japanese Art September 25, 2020 Galerie Zacke Netsuke and Sagemono

97 | 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.
Literature comparison:
For another netsuke of a wolf with monkey by Tomotada see Joly,
Henri L. (1966) W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, no. 2653 and
illustrated on plate XXXIV.

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).

Estimate EUR 20.000,-
Starting price EUr 10.000,-

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