A WOOD NETSUKE OF A TIGER BY TANAKA MINKO (1735-1816)By Minko, wood netsukeJapan, Tsu, Ise province, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A classic model of a tiger with chubby paws by Tanaka Minko (1735-1816), the founder of the important Tsu school and one of the few names mentioned in the Soken Kisho from 1781. The tiger has its head turned back, with large glaring eyes inlaid in mother of pearl, and a vividly snarling, and somewhat comedic and friendly expression. His tail curls up his back like a snake and his fur coat is expressed very well. The underside with the mentioned chubby paws, though in this example they are especially large. Signed MINKO with kao on one of the paws; natural himotoshi.HEIGHT 3 CM, LENGTH 4.1 CMCondition: Excellent conditionProvenance: British private collection with two valuations from Sotheby's, by Neil K. Davey, dated 1974 & 1984, inventory no. 30.Auction comparison: Compare to a similar model sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, London, 6 November 2014, lot 59.