By Kagetoshi, signed Kagetoshi Japan, c. 1830, Edo period (1615-1868)
Published: Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art, p. 176, no. 735.
Bandini, Rosemary (2019) The Larry Caplan Collection of Japanese Netsuke, p. 54, no. 29.
An exceptionally large work when considering Kagetoshi’s usual output. Depicted is a Chinese boy seated atop a goat, the carving executed in striking detail, particularly to the animal’s shaggy fur. The carving radiates with tranquility, in part owed to the sensitive expressions and to the choice of material. The cherry wood shows hues of red shimmering through. The underside with deeply excavated and asymmetrical himotoshi and signature within a rectangular reserve KAGETOSHI.
HEIGHT 3.6 cm, LENGTH 4.9 cm
Condition: The left foreleg is re-attached. Otherwise excellent condition. Provenance: Ex collection Victor Topper and Larry Caplan, Toronto.