NAGAMASA: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX

拍品描述

NAGAMASA: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX By Nagamasa, signed Nagamasa 長正 Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Lying in a typical attitude with its lowered head turned to the left, the body remarkably well carved with a minute rope halter passing over its back in swinging motions and terminating in a loop above the haunch. The body with subtly carved ribs and spine, the fur beautifully incised, the head detailed with curved horns, and the eyes inlaid in bone with dark pupils giving life to the expression. The underside with generously excavated, asymmetrical himotoshi, and signed within an oval reserve NAGAMASA. LENGTH 5.4 cm Although Nagamasa is unrecorded, the carving clearly aligns with the stylistic conventions of the Kyoto school. The oval reserve and character Masa (正) suggest a possible connection to Kyoto Masanao. The inlaid eyes, however, recall the work of Okatomo, while the distinctive curvature of the ox’s horns appears unique to this talented, but otherwise unknown, artist active in Kyoto during the late 18th to early 19th century. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a recumbent ox, signed Tomotada and attributed to Okatomo, 6.5 cm long, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 9 May 2025, Vienna, lot 147 (sold for EUR 3,900).

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