A FINE AND SMALL WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT COCKEREL... Lot n° 24

Wood netsuke Japan, Edo mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The cockerel, or tori, is the tenth animal of the zodiac. In Japan, cockfights, called tokei, were popular and there were some long-tailed breeds, which are called nagaotori. This cockerel, too, has a long, feathered tail, which is resting on its body. This work is reminiscent of the Nagoya school, reminding of Ittan, presumably Hokyudo Itsumin started there before he went to Tokyo. All details are very precisely carved, the eyes are yellow and black horn. One very small and one larger himotoshi between the bird’s legs. Signature ITSUMIN on the underside of one of the two wings. LENGTH 3.3 CM Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: British private collection Auction comparison: A near identical example was sold at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, London, 10 May 2017, lot 116.