Ɏ † A SUPERB WALRUS TUSK NETSUKE OF AN OLD SHOE WITH A WATER DRAGON, ATTRIBUTED TO KOKUSAI

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Ɏ † A SUPERB WALRUS TUSK NETSUKE OF AN OLD SHOE WITH A WATER DRAGON, ATTRIBUTED TO KOKUSAI Attributed to Ozaki Kokusai (1835-1892), unsigned Japan, Shiba, Tokyo, c. 1860s-1870s Carved as an old and worn-out shoe, a water dragon emerging coiling dynamically across the side and top. The dragon’s elongated body and sinuous limbs are finely carved in openwork, its head turned upward roaring, framed by flowing whiskers. The surface of the shoe is decorated with incised textile-like patterns and stylized cloud motifs. Natural himotoshi. LENGTH 4.6 cm The subject alludes to the legend of Choryo and Kosekiko and the retrieval of a shoe from a river, despite its dragon occupant. Literature comparison: Compare an antler netsuke of identical design, by Ozaki Kokusai, sealed Koku, illustrated in Harris, Victor (1987) The Hull Grundy Collection in the British Museum, p. 55, no. 205. Also compare a marine ivory netsuke of identical design, attributed to Ozaki Kokusai, unsigned, illustrated in Sydney Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, pp. 38-39, no. 83. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU. 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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