TOMOTADA: A POWERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNARLING SHISHI

TOMOTADA: A POWERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNARLING SHISHI
Signed Tomotada 友忠
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Superbly carved as a seated shishi turning its head curiously, the face with a prominent reishi nose. The details are finely carved - the mythical lion dog has a thick bushy tail and curling mane, accentuated with light black staining for effect. Natural himotoshi, the signature TOMOTADA within a rectangular reserve underneath.
LENGTH 4.6 cm
Condition: Restoration to the upper snout and expected minor wear, otherwise in good condition.
Museum comparison:
Wood netsuke bearing the signature Tomotada are to be considered rare, for another example depicting a shishi and signed Tomatada, formerly in the Trumpf collection, see the Linden Museum, Stuttgart, accession no. OA 18970.