MASATOMO: A POWERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SHISHI WITH BALL
By Masatomo, signed Masatomo
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Nagoya school. Depicted is a seated roaring Shishi with bared fangs, eyes with inlaid pupils and dense finely carved bushy curls covering its tail, beard and head. The Shishi holds a brocade ball between two paws and has its head turned. The underside with natural himotoshi and signature MASATOMO within a rectangular reserve.
HEIGHT 3.5 cm
Condition: A small part of the base has been restored, otherwise very good condition.
Provenance: French Private collection acquired in 1995 from an antiques dealer in Italy, by repute.