The second signed Tomotada, the fifth signed Tomoyuki
Japan, 19th century to Meiji period (1868-1912)
The first depicting a rat in a basket of mushrooms, the second a recumbent ox, signed TOMOTADA, the third a tiger, the fourth a snail on a bamboo stalk with octopus tentacles and the fifth a standing frog wearing a pair of geta and carrying a lotus flower, inlaid eyes and signature TOMOYUKI.
HEIGHT 2.5 – 5.4 cm
Condition: The second with small damages, a crack and a restored paw, the fourth missing a snail’s tentacle and with a thin crack and the fifth with a tiny chip to the eye. The other two in good, worn condition.
Provenance: British collection.