AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A DOG WITH A BALL
Ivory netsukeJapan19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)This dog has floppy ears, a snub nose and inlaid eyes. He is holding a smooth ball between his hind legs and is also holding it with his head and paw to underline his claim of ownership. The spine, teeth and curled tail are finely carved. The dog is male, without himotoshi; the cord would run through between its legs.HEIGHT 3 CM, LENGTH 4.2 CMCondition: One large and several smaller age cracks; good and complete conditionProvenance: British private collection