| 
|
Antique Japanese
Netsuke
Female
Shishi
Tortoise
Shell Umimatsu Inlaid
Netsuke
Signature: Tomoichi, Circa: early 20th century
H 2 in.(5cm.), W 2.5
in.(6.3cm.), D 1 in.(2.5cm.)
Condition: Excellent! A
masterful conception and carving of a stylized Chinese lion, highly expressive
and impeccably finished, with double-inlaid eyes of amber-colored tortoise shell
and umimatsu for the dark pupils. This shishi is large and ebullient; with a clearly
carved sex organ verifying her gender. Like her male counterpart, she is lively,
crouching forward with a ball under her hind legs, her powerful head turned and
looking up with a snarl, abundant balls of fur piled into swirling masses; her
bushy tail raised up and thrown across her back is finely engraved with parallel
hairlines. The thick paws are carved with defined claws that seem to dig into
the surface on which she stands. There is also a yellow pearl inlay on the back
of the shishi. Private Collection
|
