Masanao

A recumbent cow raises her head to glance at her calf as it clambers over her side, flattened ears betraying her discomfort as it levers its robust weight up with a hoof braced on her back leg. The parent’s expression is one of both acceptance and concern. The carver’s choice of a black wood for this netsuke is uncommon, but his treatment of his subject is carefully observed and imbued with life. The eyes are double-inlaid in pale and dark horn.

Provenance:
HIH Princess Takamado

Signed: Masanao

Width: 4.8cm