158 - TAMETAKA: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A TIGER

TAMETAKA: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A TIGER By Tametaka or a close follower, signed Tametaka 為隆 Japan, Nagoya, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Powerfully carved, the tiger curled tightly upon itself, its muscular limbs drawn close and its head turned sharply backwards to bite into the thick fur of its haunch. The expressive face is animated by bulging ringed eyes beneath heavy brows, flattened ears, a broad wrinkled snout, and parted jaws revealing sharp teeth. Its powerful body is covered in vigorously incised fur, interrupted by boldly raised stripes sweeping rhythmically across the rounded flanks and intertwined limbs. The curling tail and overlapping paws reinforce the compact sculptural form, while the underside is carefully finished with delineated paws and claws. Natural himotoshi through the limbs and signed with boldly incised characters TAMETAKA within a rounded rectangular reserve. LENGTH 4.5 cm Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear. Tametaka is the earliest recorded netsuke artist from Nagoya and is listed in the Soken Kisho of 1781. His animal carvings are distinguished by powerful modeling, rugged surfaces, and highly individual expressions, combining technical refinement with the vigorous character typical of the early Nagoya school. While the present tiger differs slightly from some of his more familiar tiger models, it displays the same unmistakable strength, forceful anatomy, and boldly textured carving. The confidently cut signature within the rounded reserve further supports the attribution, although the possibility that the work was carved by a close follower cannot be entirely excluded. While many surviving examples of Tametaka’s tigers display a richly worn surface from generations of handling, the present netsuke retains a notably crisp appearance, giving it a somewhat different character while preserving the artist’s characteristic ruggedness, power, and vigorous carving style. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a tiger, by Tametaka, 4.5 cm wide, at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from the Adrienne Barbanson Collection, 13 May 2013, London, lot 9 (sold for GBP 10,625 or approx. EUR 19,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).