Beschreibung:

Katalognummer: NE1119-124 A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A GOAT BY MITSUHARU By Mitsuharu, signed Tomotada Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A fine netsuke imbued with a healthy portion of humor, depicting a goat with masterfully carved shaggy fur. The goat has its head turned backwards, the body is dynamically positioned with the feet pushed afore, exhibiting splendid curvature and movement, so typical for Mitsuharu. Lots 102 and 235 show the same dynamic posture. The goat is smiling – the expression is vivid and amusing – and it has its mouth opened showing the canines, another idiosyncracy of Mitsuharu. The eyes are inlaid in dark buffalo horn. Deep himotoshi through the underside and side, and signature TOMOTADA 友忠 in an oval reserve on the right haunch. HEIGHT 4.7 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor expected wear to ivory. Possibly some minor damage to the lower row of the teeth. Provenance: British collection. Though signed Tomotada, this goat is certainly by Mitsuharu. For a discussion on Mitsuharu’s goats see International Netsuke Society Journal, Volume 39, No. 1, pages 13-14. This example is particularly close to no. 8. Auction comparison: For an almost identical example by Mitsuharu see Zacke, Japanische Netsuke, Inro und andere Sagemono - Ausstellung 1986, Vienna, no. 38. For another goat by Mitsuharu in a different manner see Bonhams, The James A. Rose Collection of Netsuke and Sagemono, 17 September 2013, New York, lot 2014. Schätzpreis 估價: € 5.000 Startpreis 起拍價: € 2.500 -