Signed Tomotada 友忠 Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
A fine and powerfully crafted ivory netsuke of a recumbent cow with her head turned to the right, the eyes carefully inlaid in dark horn giving life to the expression. The bulky animal has a pronounced spine, a finely incised fur coat, and a rope halter passes through the nose ring, over the horns and all the way around to its tail, ending in a little loop. The underside equally carved well and showing the hooves tucked underneath the body and the cow’s udder. Generously excavated and asymmetrical himotoshi on the underside, in-between the signature in a rectangular reserve TOMOTADA.
LENGTH 6.4 cm
Condition: Very good condition. Expected age cracks. Provenance: British collection.