Outstanding
netsuke by a modern master; a classic shishi beautifully conceived and proportioned
in animated posture with the lion looking sideways and upward, its hind legs gripping
a ball, the tail thrust up in five swirling masses with spiraling tendrils of
fur at the back legs. In cream colored ivory stained with an overall golden wash,
the work is well marked and finely detailed with incised hair lines, expressive
features, a finely carved mouth with teeth and fangs, looking out from large yellow
eyes of translucent kigai (amber), the pupils inlaid in umimatsu; the pounding
shishi regards viewer with a piercing glance.
Tomoichi
listed in Contemporary Netsuke by Miriam Kinsey, Pub.Tuttle, Japan 1977. Tomoichi,
(1914 - ) also known as Yukimasa. Student of Koshin known for his original designs
portraying life and customs of the Edo period, and for his animals in ivory and
boxwood. Animal subjects are signed Tomoichi. Best known outside Japan, his work
is highly in demand in foreign markets.