A masterfully carved ivory netsuke of a bulky wolf, also referred to as a yama-inu (literally mountain dog) as the wolf was not native to Japan. The rib cage and spine are powerfully expressed, and the wolf places one paw on the severed arm of the Rashomon demon, probably not the most nutritious food for the hungry animal. The fur is incised with incredible skill and the ivory has a very attractive yellow hue. The wolf has a wild expression – the ears are laid back, the large pupils are inlaid in dark horn and the mouth is opened greedily, showing the teeth. The underside is carved exceptionally as well, with the tail curling up to the front, and well-detailed paws, one of them with the signature OKATOMO in a rectangular reserve. Natural himotoshi.

Category:

Netsuke

Subcategory:

-

Subject:

Animal

Material:

Ivory

Age/Country:

19th Century

Artist:

Okatomo

Provenance/Owner:

Galerie Zacke

Signed:

signed

Type:

Katabori

Height:

36mm mm

Width:

47mm mm

Depth:

mm

ID number: