A wood netsuke of a dog　


By Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856), Tanba Province, early 19th centurySigned in an oval reserve Toyomasa. 3.8cm (1½in) wide.
|木彫根付　犬　銘「豊昌」　19世紀前期Provenance: Purchased at Hotel Drouot, Paris.Published: Katchen, N7, vol.2, p.169, no.K78.Seated, its head raised as it scratches its cheek with its left hind paw, one leg forming the himotoshi, the slightly worn wood with a good patina and the eyes inlaid in dark translucent horn.Another study of a puppy carved in a similar manner by Toyomasa, from the Imai Kenzo and Raymond Bushell collections, was sold at Christie's, Los Angeles, 28 January 1989, lot 19.