218 - Ɏ TOMOCHIKA: A RARE AND FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF AN OX

Ɏ TOMOCHIKA: A RARE AND FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF AN OX By Chikuyosai Tomochika, signed Tomochika 友親 Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19 th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A fine and sensitively crafted ivory netsuke, the material possessing a remarkable gem-like lustre, depicting a recumbent ox resting with its legs drawn tightly beneath its massive body and its head lowered and turned to one side. The animal is fitted with a carefully detailed rope halter, secured around the muzzle and passing between the short, curved horns, with the loose end trailing naturally across the broad back. The heavy dewlap and folds of the neck are modeled in softly rounded volumes, contrasting with the delicately incised hairwork covering the body. The face is sensitively rendered with an alert expression and dark-inlaid pupils, while the tail curls neatly against the haunch. The underside is equally well finished with tucked hooves, two himotoshi, and signed TOMOCHIKA within a wavy oval reserve. LENGTH 5.2 cm Provenance: Christie's, Japanese Works of Art, 2 May 1972, London, lot 48. Spink & Son, London, acquired from the above. From a French private collection, acquired from the above. Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear and only very few expected natural age cracks. Chikuyosai Tomochika was born in Edo in 1800 as the younger brother of Shominsai Chikamasa and established a prolific workshop producing finely carved netsuke throughout the 19th century. While his oeuvre encompasses a wide range of animal subjects, the present ox is particularly noteworthy for its refined modeling and subtle treatment of the surface, displaying clear affinities with the elegant naturalism of Kyoto-school carving. The subject of a reclining ox fitted with a rope halter appears to be highly unusual among published works by Tomochika and his school, making the present example a noteworthy addition to the artist’s known repertoire. Similar Kyoto-school influences can also be observed in some of Tomochika’s dragon carvings. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related marine ivory netsuke of a reclining ox by the same artist, signed Tomochika, illustrated in Sotheby’s, 8 December 1981, New York, lot 43. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number IT/CE/2024/MI/00315). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.