Page 126 - Fine Japanese Art Auction November 2 2019 Galerie Zacke

144 | OKATOMO: AN EXCELLENT AND RARE
IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHAGGY DOG
By Yamaguchi Okatomo, signed Okatomo
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)
Published: F. Meinertzhagen, MCI Part B, New York, 1986,
page 620.

An ivory netsuke of a dog with shaggy fur, finely carved with
overlapping wavy lines creating a stunning three-dimensional effect.
The visibly male dog is seated with its four paws close together and
is looking to the right with its head slightly lowered. The eyes are
inlaid in red horn and the dog produces an enigmatic smile full of
character. Himotoshi through the side and underside and signature
in a rectangular reserve on the left hindleg OKATOMO ᛂƤ.
HEIGHT 3.4 cm

Condition: Very good condition.
Provenance: Louis Gonse, Paris, sold in his sale 19th April 1926, lot
857. Then European private collection.
The present netsuke is a completely unique subject by Okatomo,
imbued with all the individual character and charm which he is
known for.

Auction comparison: For the treatment of the fur, see a goat by
Okatori sold by Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese
Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 140.
For another dog by Okatomo see Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi
Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 157.
Estimate EUR 12.000,-
Starting price EUR 6.000,-

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