TOMIN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A TORTOISE WITH FIVE YOUNG By Tomin, signed Tomin 東岷
Japan, Tsu, early 19^th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Finely carved as a large turtle almost completely retracted within its carapace, five of its young clambering over its back. The individual carapaces are splendidly rendered with a heightened sense of naturalism. The well-carved underside with large, asymmetrical himotoshi and signature TOMIN.

LENGTH 3.8 cm

Condition: Very good condition, fine, dark patina. Some microscopic nicks to the largest turtle’s carapace.
Provenance: Ex-collection Edward A. ‘Ted’ Wrangham (1928-2009), who formed one of the most important collections of Japanese Art in modern times. His reference book ‘The Index of Inro Artists’ (1995) is considered one of the most important English-language studies on Japanese lacquer ever published.

This appears to be the only netsuke of tortoises by Tomin, as this model was usually associated with Kokei.

Auction comparison:
A similar wood netsuke by Kokei was sold at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French Private Collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 130 (sold for 3,187 GBP).