IKKAN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OXBy Ikkan, signed Ikkan 一貫 Japan, Nagoya, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The dark-stained cherry (sakura) wood netsuke of compact form with a pleasing curve to the composition, depicting a recumbent ox with the right foreleg bent and slightly extended forwards and the other legs drawn in, the tail flung to one side, animal well-detailed with almond-shaped eyes, incised pupils, a long muzzle, and curved horns, its fur neatly incised and spine subtly carved, the natural himotoshi between the left legs and the body, the underside with the crisply carved hooves as well as the signature within an oval reserve IKKAN.LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 2007. French private collection, acquired from the above.Museum comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of an ox by Ikkan in the British Museum, registration number 1981,0808.107.Auction comparison:Compare a related ebony netsuke of an ox by Ikkan at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part I, 9 November 2010, London, lot 130 (sold for 10,200 GBP).