A large boxwood netsuke of a shishi By Tomochika, early 19th century
182*
A large boxwood netsuke of a shishi
By Tomochika, early 19th century
Seated, its body twisted slightly to the left and with its mouth open, as it scratches its side with one hind paw, its tail trailing beneath to form the himotoshi, the slightly-worn wood bears a fine patina and the eye pupils are inlaid, signed Tomochika.
5.7cm (2¼in).
Estimate:
£5,000 - 6,000
JPY 780,000 - 940,000
US$ 7,600 - 9,100

Footnotes

  • 木彫根付　獅子　銘「友親」　19世紀前期

    Provenance: purchased at Sotheby's London, 24th October 1984, lot 182.

    Chikuyosai Tomochika I is said to have been born in Kyoto and moved to Edo in later life. The present example shows affinities with the work produced in Kyoto during the first part of the 19th century, from where his early influence obviously came.

    For a netsuke of two fighting shishi in the same style by Tomochika, see Neil K. Davey, Netsuke, p.141, no.423.

Category: Asian Art / Japanese Art

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