A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT HORSEUnsigned, wood netsukeJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A naturalistic model of a recumbent horse. The mane of the horse is carved with careful consideration and the long face is imbued with a lot of character, enhanced by the eyes inlaid in dark horn. The wood is of a very good color, accentuated, slightly stained and darkened in some areas. Good and irregular himotoshi on the underside. Unsigned but similar examples exist by Minkoku.LENGTH 5.3 CMCondition: One leg is restored, otherwise fine condition with excellent patinaProvenance: European private collectionAuction comparison: For a similar netsuke by Minkoku see Christie's, The Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection of Netsuke, London, 27 October 1987, No. 71.