171 - MINKO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A FOX WITH A DRUM (KITSUNE TADANOBU)

MINKO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A FOX WITH A DRUM (KITSUNE TADANOBU) Signed Minko 岷江 Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved as the fox spirit Kitsune Tadanobu seated on its haunches and closely embracing a tsuzumi hand drum, one forepaw draped protectively over the instrument. The fox turns its head slightly upward with an alert, almost smiling expression, the pointed ears held erect and the powerful body covered in finely incised fur. The large bushy tail curls tightly around the flanks. The wood has developed a superb, deep patina from generations of handling. Natural himotoshi through the limbs and signed underneath MINKO in an unusually stylized manner. The carving itself is stylistically close to Kokei’s work, and it is plausible that Kokei signed Minko in homage to his master. LENGTH 3.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with old wear and light traces of use. Kokei is generally considered to have been a pupil of Tanaka Juntoku Minko of Tsu, although his later work displays a distinctive independent style with affinities to both the Minko school and the Masanao tradition of Ise. Kitsune Tadanobu is the magical fox Genkuro from the celebrated drama Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura. Disguised as Yoshitsune’s retainer Sato Tadanobu, he remains close to Shizuka Gozen because she carries the Hatsune drum, made from the skins of his fox parents. His attachment to the instrument, rooted in filial devotion, made the subject especially popular in kabuki and ukiyo-e. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of the same subject by Kokei, signed Kokei, 3.5 cm long, at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French Private Collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 16 (sold for GBP 2,550 or approx. EUR 4,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).