This
netsuke bears the signature of Tomoichi on the bottom. Tomoichi is also known
as Yukimasa, student of Koshin, famous for his original designs portraying the
life and customs of the Edo period and for animals in ivory and boxwood. Animal
subjects are usually signed Tomoichi.
Light
in color and densely grained with a golden patina, engraved and inked with sumi
for the details of the face and garments, the two black and one white mouse; cross-hatching
on the hat producing a matte surface contrasting with the high hand polish overall.
Daikoku, god of wealth and good fortune, is seated smiling on a rice bale holding
a white mouse, his treasure bag beside him, his mallet on the ground.
