200 - KOKEI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT HORSE

KOKEI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT HORSE By Kokei, the signature obscured Japan, Kuwana, Ise province, early 19 th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved as a recumbent horse resting with its legs tucked compactly beneath its body, the head raised and turned alertly to one side. The broad face is sensitively modeled with pricked ears, flaring nostrils, and a gently parted mouth, while the body is covered throughout with dense, finely incised hairwork following the contours of the animal. The long tail sweeps elegantly around the rounded hindquarters, terminating in finely carved strands. The underside is equally well worked, with the folded legs and neatly delineated hooves forming a compact composition. Natural himotoshi through the legs. One haunch with a polished reserve for the signature, which has been worn away and is no longer legible. LENGTH 4.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor expected wear. The signature is worn away and no longer legible. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a recumbent horse by the same artist, signed Kokei, illustrated in Contrasting Styles, A Loan Exhibition of Netsuke & Kiseruzutsu from Private English Collections, 25-30 May 1980, no. 75. Museum comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a recumbent horse by the same artist, signed Kokei, 4.5 cm long, in the British Museum, registration number HG.652. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a horse by the same artist, signed Kokei, 3.4 cm long, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 24 November 2018, Vienna, lot 18 (sold for EUR 3,792 or approx. EUR 5,100 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).