Antique
Japanese Ivory Netsuke
Puppy
Playing
with Frog
Signed:
Ikkosai, Circa: 19th Century
H
1 in.(2.5cm), W 1.75 in.(4.5cm), D 1.25 in.(3cm)
Condition: very good!
 | 
Sold
to Private Collection | The
artist, Ikkosai Toun, is a well-known and recorded Tokyo carver prized for his
sensitive renderings of animals in ivory. Here is an example of the artist’s ability
to capture the irrepressible charm of a playful puppy. Carved from the tip of
the tusk, the ivory is fine grained and dense, the color a mellow cream to gold,
with age patina and an unctuous usage sheen over finely engraved hair lines and
details. The puppy is wonderfully realized, its face alive with excitement, one
paw poised to pounce on the seemingly implacable frog. The eyes of both are of
inlaid black coral.
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