Ɏ A FINE OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A CROUCHING TIGER

拍品描述

Ɏ A FINE OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A CROUCHING TIGER Circle of Sadayoshi, unsigned Japan, Osaka, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Boldly carved and deeply stained, the tiger is rendered with particular attention to its fur, achieved through alternating stripes set against finely incised and inked hairwork, now attractively worn to a fine patina. The bulky creature makes a valiant attempt to appear fierce, its head turned back, the eyes inlaid in horn and lending it an amusing expression. The thick tail curls over its back, while the massive, rounded paws press firmly against the ground. Small himotoshi underneath. LENGTH 3.8 cm The tiger (tora) is the third animal of the Asian zodiac and represents courage, resilience, and strength. It also plays an important role in Daoist philosophy providing a counterpoint to the dragon (tatsu). The tiger is not native to Japan; therefore, images of tigers were only known from Chinese paintings or on rare occasions when the tiger’s fur was imported into Japan. This brings to mind a Japanese proverb – ‘When the tiger dies, he leaves his skin, the man his name’. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related Osaka school ivory netsuke of a tiger with a similarly amusing expression, 4 cm long, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 69 (sold for EUR 9,840). Compare a closely related Osaka school ivory netsuke of a tiger with finely rendered fur, 3.8 cm long, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 9 May 2025, Vienna, lot 151 (sold for EUR 3,120). Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 26-B-0104). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

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