AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A DOG WITH A BALL BY IKKO Lot n° 28

Ivory netsuke Japan, Nagoya 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A very naturalistic and lively male dog, lying with its front paws on a ball. Precisely executed details, dense fur pattern, sculpturally accentuated spine; the entire head is masterful in its expression and inlaid eyes. The dog inu, which also appears in the zodiac, is wearing a collar and the ball has a belt. This rather unusual netsuke seems to borrow certain elements from other animals, it has an ape-like expression and unusually long legs like a rabbit. The himotoshi on the underside through the belly, the signature in an oval reserve ICHI-KO (Ikko). This artist from Nagoya is known for his masterful depictions of animals, mostly from the zodiac. MCI reads on the artist, “very cleverly made animal studies made during the last quarter of the 19th century”. LENGTH 4.35 CM Condition: Very good and complete condition; irregular wear to staining Provenance: French private collection