A WALNUT NETSUKE OF A TIGER AND A WATERFALL
Walnut and lacquer netsukeJapan19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A well-rounded walnut netsuke smoothed and covered with urushi lacquer. A tiger is carved in fine relief within a reserve, along with a hint of bamboo. Both are symbols of resilience, toughness and endurance. As the tiger was considered the strongest animal on earth, both tora and take (bamboo) were symbols of the samurai. This tiger is attempting to climb up a rock with a waterfall. Rimmed himotoshi on the underside in the style of Hidari Issan.LENGTH 3.3 CMCondition: Good condition, minor nibbling and wearProvenance: Austrian private collection