| Antique
Japanese Amber inlaid Netsuke Shishi
Lion Clenching Large Ball
Signature: unsigned, Circa: late 19th century H 1.5 in.(4cm), W 1.3 in.(3cm),
D 1 in.(2.5cm) Condition:
two crack lines, o.a. very good! Private Collection |
In the style of 18th century Kyoto artist Tomotada, balancing a smooth
plain with dense textures, this vigorous guardian lion shishi lively crouching
forward with a ball under grip, its formidable head turned to the left with a
snarl, inside the large jaw a loose ball rolling behind its sharp teeth, twirling
mane carved in deep parallel lines, with thirteen pointed snail-curls swirl across
its chin and scalp, eyes are inlaid of amber-colored horn, torso and thighs engraved
with intricate fur lines, clearly defined rip cage and low relief of ukibori small
balls. The shishi is seated on a six snail-curls bushy tail, its thick paws are
carved in defined claws that seem to dig into the mirror finished large ball.
The aged ivory is in pink and gold hues, its triangular contour carved and polished
to soft plains of crisp and rounded edges. In form and spirit, this is one nearly
perfect netsuke somehow compromised by the two natural crack-lines on its back.....
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