A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT HORSE BY K... Lot n° 18

Wood netsuke Japan, Tsu, Kuwana, Ise Province first half of the 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Illustrated in ‘The Art collection formed by the late Heber R. Bishop’, Thomas E. Kirby, New York, 1906 – catalogue number 1465 A very naturalistically depicted horse, or uma, which is the seventh animal in the zodiac. The masculine horse has its head raised slightly, its eyes are inlaid with yellow and black horn. Dense mane, lively fur pattern, animated tail. The artist, born in Ise during the 18th century, was a successor of Minko and worked predominantly with animals; his tigers, for example, became famous. This horse shows a very fine patina, as well as the signature KOKEI on one leg. Himotoshi between the legs. A very rare depiction of a horse by this artist. Depictions of horses from the Tsu school normally bear the signature of Minko. LENGTH 4 CM Condition: Good condition, signs of age Provenance: From the important collection of Heber R. Bishop, with old collection number on the bottom Auction comparison: A very similar model signed Minko (but perhaps also by Kokei) was sold at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from the Adrienne Barbanson Collection, London, 13 May 2013, lot 15. Another example by Minko was sold at Bonhams, Japanese Works of Art, New York, 19 September 2008, lot 5100.