Japan. Edo period. Mid 19th c. Puppy with a stumpy tail, seated with its head turned left, wearing a collar knotted at the back from which hangs a bib with an engraved star-pattern. It is holding a 'hato', a pidgeon-shaped toy whistle under its two left paws. Very fine, pure white ivory, the minutely engraved fur left unstained, eyes inlaid in tortoise-shell with dark pupils. Underneath, on the flank of its right hind-leg, signed on a long, rectangular, polished reserve: Kaigyokusai, and on a separate square cartouche with seal: Masatsugu. Cf. MCI, p. 289f. According to Hindson (catalogue VI), one of the best examples of Kaigyokusai's work from his later, mature period. Apparently Julius Katchen owned an almost identical model. W.3,6cm. Condition A.
Provenance: -Henderson Collection. -M. M. Hepworth Collection. -Hindson Collection, no. 126, and color plate p. 45; Auction VI, 11.03.1969, lot 944. -Exhibited: Contrasting Styles Exhibition, London, May 1980, no. 14.
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.