TOYOKAZU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SHISHI PLAYING WITH A BALL By Toyokazu, signed Toyokazu 豊一
Japan, Tanba, 19^th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Well carved as a shishi clutching a smooth ball with all four paws, the bushy tail sweeping around it, the beast with a comically fierce expression, appearing unwilling to share the toy, with neatly incised tail and mane, the eyes inlaid in pale translucent horn with dark pupils. Natural himotoshi between the ball and one leg, the same leg with the signature TOYOKAZU within an oblong reserve.

LENGTH 3.8 cm

Condition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, some surface wear and few light scratches. Fine, dark patina.
Provenance: European collection.

Toyokazu was a member of the Tanba school, a son and pupil of Naito Toyomasa who clearly shared his father’s affinity for animal carvings.

Literature comparison:
Compare a related wood netsuke of a shishi by Toyokazu, illustrated in Sagemonoya (2002) Netsuke, Ojime & Masatoshi’s Kabuki, p. 37, no. 91.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a shishi by Toyokazu at Sotheby’s, Netsuke from the Collection of Raymond and Frances Bushell, 18 November 1999, London, lot 313 (sold for 4,140 GBP, approx. 8,557 EUR today).