A wood netsuke of a recumbent dog


By Masanao, Kyoto, late 18th centurySigned in an oval reserve Masanao. 4.8cm (1 7/8in) wide.
|木彫根付　犬　銘「正直」　18世紀後期Provenance: Andrew Somlyo collection, purchased 1965.Published: Katchen, N7, vol.1, p.27, no.K39.Lying with its head turned to the right, its tail curled and its legs drawn in for compactness, the slightly worn wood with a good patina and the pupils inlaid.The attitude is very similar to the ivory study of a dog by Tomotada from the Katchen collection, sold in these rooms, 10 May 2017, lot 120.For a somewhat similar example, see London Netsuke Committee, Contrasting Styles, 1980, p.17, no.19.