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.