156 - A SUPERB TANBA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT BOAR

A SUPERB TANBA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT BOAR Unsigned Japan, Tanba province, mid-19 th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Powerfully carved in a compact recumbent pose, the massive boar resting on its folded legs while raising its head with an alert, animated expression. The broad snout is naturalistically modeled, the mouth slightly open to reveal teeth and curved tusks, while the eyes are double-inlaid in bone with dark horn pupils. The dense coat is rendered with finely incised bristles sweeping rhythmically along the back and shoulders. The underside with large, beautifully formed asymmetrical himotoshi. Unsigned, but likely the work of Nanboku or Tsunenori (see auction comparisons below). LENGTH 4.8 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear. The eyes are possibly replaced. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related Tanba school wood netsuke of a recumbent boar, by Tsunenori, 4 cm long, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 4 November 2022, Vienna, lot 41 (sold for EUR 9,750 or approx. EUR 11,700 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a recumbent boar by Nanboku, 3.9 cm wide, at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French Private collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 95 (sold for GBP 5,687 or approx. EUR 8,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).