Japan. Edo period. 18th c. Magnificent, well-fed cow lying down with a long tether undulating across her back to her left flank, ending in a little loop. Her male calf lies snuggled at her side, tenderly licking the cheek its mother turns towards it. The undersides and hooves of both cattle are smooth, and the cow's teats are shown, with a shiny, golden, natural patina. The finely twisted double rope artfully tied to form the tackle, the loose short mane between the horns which curl around the ears, the soft muzzle and dark inlaid eyes all make visible the different haptic qualities involved. Ivory, carved very naturalistically, fur finely engraved and darkened where it has not been worn smooth due to long use. Beautiful patina, amber underneath. Unsigned, Ky?to-School. There are very similar models by Tomotada. L.7,5cm. Condition A.
Literature: -Hindson owned a very similar model, though of an ox and calf. See N. Davey's Catalogue no. 170, carver no. 560.
Please note that objects made of ivory, rhinoceros horn and turtle shell, due to Cites regulations can only be sold within the European Community. At present the export in third countries is prohibited.