OKATOMO: A RARE STAINED WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO QUAILS ON MILLET By Okatomo, signed Okatomo 岡友
Japan, Kyoto, early 19^th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A classic model by Okatomo, though rarely seen in wood, depicting two quails, side by side and facing in different directions, perched on two large heads of leafy millet, one of the leaves forming the himotoshi underneath and housing the signature OKATOMO. Both birds with neatly incised plumage and minutely inlaid eyes of dark horn.

LENGTH 4.5 cm

Condition: Very good condition, minor wear to staining.
Provenance: British private collection.

Auction comparison:
For a similar example in ivory, see Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from the Adrienne Barbanson Collection, 13 May 2013, London, lot 30 (sold for 7,250 GBP). 5% or 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer’s premium – only for buyers within the EU.