Signed Tomotada (Izumiya Tomotada, active circa 1781), Kyoto, Edo period (late 18th century)

Details

A Rare Ivory Netsuke of a Tiger and Two Cubs
Signed Tomotada (Izumiya Tomotada, active circa 1781), Kyoto, Edo period (late 18th century)
The tigress seated licking her raised paw, a cub lies scratching its chin at her feet, whilst the other nestles into her leg, the eyes with large eyebrows and expressive features, pupils inlaid in dark cow horn, the markings and hair details delicately incised and stained
4 cm. high

Special Notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

A model by Tomotada of a tigress with two cubs is rare, with the more usual model having only one cub.

For another example with two cubs see Joe Earle, Netsuke: Fantasy and Reality in Japanese Miniature Sculpture, (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 2001), p. 288-289.

For examples with one cub see:
Bernard Hurtig, Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, (Tokyo and New York, 1973), p. 58, no. 163 Nihon Netsuke Kenkyukai ed.,
Netsuke: Condensed Culture of Edo, (Tokyo, 2005), p. 27, no. 16.

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