A sensitively and delicately crafted depiction of a fox, possibly the Inari fox which is the messenger of the Inari Okami, one of the principal Kami of Shinto. The charming little fox is licking its tail which curls around to its side. The fur is incised masterfully, and the ivory is lightly stained and of a very good color. The shoulder bones and the rib cage are well pronounced, and the eyes are inlaid in reddish horn. The fox has an adorable expression with small pointed ears and long snout. The legs are carved splendidly as well, small and fragile, the smallest details achieved magnificently. Natural himotoshi and the signature found underneath the tail RANSEN. A rare artist from the Rantei school of Kyoto.

Category:

Netsuke

Subcategory:

-

Subject:

Animal

Material:

Ivory

Age/Country:

19th Century

Artist:

Ransen

Provenance/Owner:

Galerie Zacke

Signed:

signed

Type:

Katabori

Height:

28mm mm

Width:

mm

Depth:

mm

ID number: