| Antique
Japanese Carved Netsuke
Ship
of Fortune
Daikoku
and Ebisu
Signed: Tomochika (II), Circa: 19th Century
Netsuke
by Neil K. Davey, Sotheby
The Netsuke Handbook of Ueda Riekichi Tuttle 1961
Catalogue of the Behrens Collection, Henri Joly, London 1922
Netsuke by
F.M. Jonas, Kobe, 1928
H
1 in.(2.5cm), W 2.5 in.(6.5cm), D 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: excellent! 
Sold
To Private Collection
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| Tomochika
II was a grandson of Tomochika I, whom he succeeded. Although quite similar to
work by Tomochika I in its unusual subject and handling, and sharing several details
with a man in a boat by Tomochika I illustrated in Netsuke: 112 Masterpieces from
the Trumpf Collection by Patrizia Jirka-Schmitz, #20 ( Anoldsche, 2000), including
the zigzag edging of the boat and the hems of the garments; nevertheless the size
and degree of detail, along with the signature without reserve confirm our attribution
to Tomochika II. A
miniature emblem of peace and abundance, with Daikoku and Ebisu afloat in a boat,
Daikoku’s rat mascot at the oar. Carved from the tip of the tusk, the ivory is
dense and close grained, cream to gold in color with age patina turning deep gold
on the bottom, the surface with a high hand finish; slightly translucent. Finely
carved with engraving and sumi; an elegant rhythmic play of waves on the bottom
of the boat, which is fitted with an oni mask at the stern.
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