74 - GARAKU: A POWERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF A BOY ON A RECUMBENT OX

GARAKU: A POWERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF A BOY ON A RECUMBENT OX By Risuke Garaku, signed Tomotada 友忠 Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Superbly carved as a boy reclining upon a massive recumbent ox, the animal resting heavily with its legs tucked beneath its powerful body. The boy is wrapped in voluminous robes and holding the rope halter, his softly modeled face conveying a calm expression. The intimate relationship between the young herder and his ox recalls the Zen Buddhist ox-herding parable, in which the search for and taming of the ox serves as an allegory for the attainment of enlightenment. The underside reveals neatly tucked legs and generously excavated asymmetrical himotoshi. Signed to the haunch within an oval reserve TOMOTADA — a signature used by Garaku during his early period while still under the tutelage of Tomotada; the oval reserve and overall carving style are characteristic of Garaku. Beautiful, deep patina. LENGTH 6 cm Condition: Repair to the left horn and ear. Otherwise excellent condiiton with typical surface wear and few tiny nicks. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of an ox and child by the same artist, signed Garaku, 5.1 cm long, illustrated in Galerie Gemini & Ichimonji Art (2004), p. 11, no. 29. Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of an oxherd and ox by the same artist, signed Garaku within an oval reserve, 5.4 cm wide, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part IV, 6 November 2013, London, lot 60 (sold for GBP 4,375 or approx. EUR 7,200 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Compare a related wood netsuke of a recumbent ox licking its nose by Garaku, signed Tomotada within an oval reserve, 5.8 cm long, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 8 May 2026, Vienna, lot 125 (sold for EUR 4,420).