MASANAO (ATTR.): A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT... Lot 34

MASANAO (ATTR.): A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT GOAT Attributed to Masanao of Kyoto, unsigned Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A superbly crafted ivory netsuke of a recumbent long-haired goat with its elongated, smoothly polished horns curled around its neck. The shaggy fur is masterfully carved, parted in the middle and gently flowing down the sides. The goat has a trifurcated beard which rests on his legs which are placed just below its head. The expression is naturalistic, the pupils are inlaid in dark horn. The underside shows a fine patina and the crisply carved hooves. The larger oval himotoshi and tucked-in legs are both trademarks of Masanao of Kyoto. Though the netsuke is unsigned, it certainly is at the very least an excellent school piece. LENGTH 5.5 cm Condition: Good condition with expected age cracks. Old restoration to one hoof. Provenance: British collection. Literature comparison: Compare to Coullery, Marie-Thérèse / Newstead, Martin S. (1977) The Baur Collection, pp. 364f., C 1163. Also compare to Barry Davies Oriental Art (1998) The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Non-Iwami Netsuke, pp. 128f., no. 95.