NETSUKE: COW.
Japan. Edo period. 18th c.

Magnificent; well-fed cow lying down with a long tether undulating across her back to her left flank; ending in a little loop. Her male calf lies snuggled at her side; tenderly licking the cheek its mother turns towards it. The undersides and hooves of both cattle are smooth; and the cow's teats are shown; with a shiny; golden; natural patina. The finely twisted double rope artfully tied to form the tackle; the loose short mane between the horns which curl around the ears; the soft muzzle and dark inlaid eyes all make visible the different haptic qualities involved. Ivory; carved very naturalistically; fur finely engraved and darkened where it has not been worn smooth due to long use. Beautiful patina; amber underneath. Unsigned; Ky魌o-School. There are very similar models by Tomotada. L.7;5cm. Condition A.

Literature:
-Hindson owned a very similar model; though of an ox and calf. See N. Davey's Catalogue no. 170; carver no. 560.

Please note that objects made of ivory; rhinoceros horn and turtle shell; due to Cites regulations can only be sold within the European Community. At present the export in third countries is prohibited.
Art trade; Van Ham.