MINKO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT GOAT By Tanaka Juntoko Minko (1735-1816), signed Minko 珉江 and kakihan
Japan, Tsu, late 18^th to early 19^th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A classic netsuke by Minko – the goat is lying with its head raised and the body slightly curved to its left, the horns drawn back and the legs folded underneath forming a compact composition, two legs joined together forming the ‘natural’ himotoshi. The fur is engraved in the typical manner of the artist. The eyes are double inlaid in brass and dark horn. Signed underneath on the haunch inside a polished reserve MINKO.

LENGTH 4.5 cm

Condition: Good condition with some associated surface wear. The left horn with a microscopic chip to the very end and the right ear with a tiny old repair.
Provenance: European collection.

Auction comparison:
Compare to a very similar netsuke of a goat by Minko, sold at Bonhams, Netsuke from a European Private Collection, 8 May 2016, London, lot 29 (sold for 6,875 GBP).