162 - † A FINE WOOD MANJU NETSUKE OF A GOAT, ATTRIBUTED TO TAMETAKA

† A FINE WOOD MANJU NETSUKE OF A GOAT, ATTRIBUTED TO TAMETAKA Attributed to Tametaka, unsigned Japan, Nagoya, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Bandini, Rosemary (2001) Expressions of Style, Netsuke as Art, Scholten Japanese Art, New York, no. 204 (where the present netsuke is confidently attributed to Tametaka). Of circular form, finely carved in relief as a recumbent goat tightly curled within the confines of the disc, its head turned back and nestled against the body. The long curved horns sweep along the contour of the animal, framing its gently alert expression, drooping ears, and flowing beard, while the coat is finely incised with dense hairwork following the contours of the body. The compact arrangement of the limbs, horns, and sweeping fur is particularly well conceived, filling the restricted circular field with a lively sense of movement. The reverse features two large asymmetrical himotoshi and is boldly engraved with two leaves reminiscent of a kamon (crest). DIAMETER 3.9 cm Condition: Very good condition with old wear, tiny nicks and light surface scratches. Tametaka is the earliest recorded netsuke carver from Nagoya and is listed in the Soken Kisho of 1781. The present manju reflects his characteristic robust modeling and finely worked surface, while the compact circular composition demonstrates an inventive adaptation of his style to this unusual format. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related wood manju netsuke of a dragon by the same artist, signed Tametaka, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 857. Auction comparison: Compare a related boxwood netsuke of a goat and kid, by the same artist, signed Tametaka, dated late 18th century, at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French Private Collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 74 (sold for GBP 11,937 or approx. EUR 18,300 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.