Project Description
Fine Ivory Netsuke of an Ox and Calf by Tomotada
The larger than usual calf lying unusually beneath its mother’s raised head. The mother’s eyes are of dark reddish horn, carefully inlaid to give life to her expression. The himotoshi open out to a well hollowed interior. The whole netsuke has a most pleasing feel of age and a deep colour to the ivory
Signed. Circa 1790
Length: 6.1 cm
Provenance:
Old French collection
Information:
Positive attributions of Tomotada oxen are difficult, but the unusual positioning of the calf, the quality of carving overall and the excellent inlay of the eyes all suggest that it is by him, if not a consummate work of his best apprentice Okatomo