Okatomo
Kyoto, circa 1790
A reclining stallion, its limbs tucked beneath his body and tail sweeping round its left flank. The mane falls in thick tresses over its crest and forehead. The neck is raised, and it bears an alert expression. The hairwork, finely incised and stained black, bears light signs of wear. The eyes are inlaid in dark horn.
Signed in a rectangular reserve: Okatomo
Length: 4.9cm
Similar examples:
Sotheby’s London, Netsuke and Sagemono, 29th May 1980, lot 16
Hurtig, B., Japanese Netsuke, Giant Miniature Sculptures, Hawaii 1981, p. 28, no. 61
Davies, Barry, Netsuke Classics, London , 1990, no. 33 (unsigned).
