HIDARI ISSAN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX

HIDARI ISSAN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX
By Hidari Issan, signed Hidari Issan 左一山
Japan, Iwashiro Province, c. 1840, Edo period (1615-1868)
Finely carved as a recumbent ox, bearing irresistible character and charm, the carving somewhat rustic, yet still remarkably refined. The ox has its head slightly lowered and turned to the left, the crisply carved feet are tucked under the body for compactness, the spine and neck folds are expressed, the eyes inlaid in dark horn, and the hairwork beautifully incised. The underside with two himotoshi and signed to the haunch within the typical raised oval reserve HIDARI ISSAN.
LENGTH 3.9 cm
Condition: Very good condition. Microscopic nicks to the edge of one hoof and one ear. Minor expected wear.
Literature comparison:
Oxen are a rare subject by Hidari Issan. For another example see Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 250.