AN UNUSUAL AND EARLY TOBORI STYLE IVORY NETSUKE... Lot n° 9

Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A large tobori (Chinese style) carving very similar to no. 8, which is an earlier version of this model, however this carving is more refined and much more distinctly Japanese. Depicted is a rakan seated on a rock, his emaciated body showing from his half-shouldered robe, one hand resting on his knee, his expression finely and quite amusingly crafted. Very large himotoshi through the rock and a seal has been inset on the bottom for use as an ingyo-netsuke. Good patina. HEIGHT 5.5 cm Condition: Some expected age cracks and a chip to the inset seal. Generally, in good condition commensurate with age and use. Provenance: From the collection of Oscar Gustaf Björck (1860-1929), Stockholm, painter and professor at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts.