Unsigned
Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Similar to no. 49, yet carved from ivory and bearing a deep-yellow patina. The mighty animal strides across the bamboo rod with a leafy sprig growing from the separation point of the two nodes, and turns its head to the left, baring its fangs and snarling. The fur markings are finely incised and inked. Himotoshi through the bamboo rod.

LENGTH 5 cm

Condition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, minuscule nick to the tail, natural age cracks.
Provenance: English private collection.

Auction comparisons:
A related netsuke was sold by Van Ham, Asian Art, 7 December 2017, Cologne, lot 2336 (sold for 3,000 EUR). Another was sold by Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 19 March 2013, New York, lot 2133 (sold for 6,875 USD). Another was recently sold by Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 66 (sold for 4,880 EUR).

This motif is called take no tora, “tiger in bamboo”. There are many different interpretations; the tiger has a strong nature, is flexible and resilient like the bamboo, but it is also said that the strong tiger is looking for shelter underneath the bamboo, as any earthly power is inferior to the forces of nature. Moreover, the tiger and bamboo represent the power of faith in Buddhism.

This item contains or is made from elephant ivory and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Please note that in compliance with EU regulation effective January 19th, 2022, all items carved from elephant ivory before 1947 must carry a legal trade permit issued by the Austrian ministry of trade, or any other appropriate authority within the European Union. For this reason, any sale of such item can only be concluded after such permit has been granted. All payments made prior to the issuance of the respective permit will be held in escrow until the application for the permit has been approved. Please note that according to EU regulation it may take up to 3 months until the permit has been granted. In case the permit is declined, or not granted after 3 months, the payment will be returned to the client immediately.