NETSUKE: PUPPY WITH COLLAR.
Japan. Edo period. Mid 19th c.

Puppy with a stumpy tail; seated with its head turned left; wearing a collar knotted at the back from which hangs a bib with an engraved star-pattern. It is holding a 'hato'; a pidgeon-shaped toy whistle under its two left paws. Very fine; pure white ivory; the minutely engraved fur left unstained; eyes inlaid in tortoise-shell with dark pupils. Underneath; on the flank of its right hind-leg; signed on a long; rectangular; polished reserve: Kaigyokusai; and on a separate square cartouche with seal: Masatsugu. Cf. MCI; p. 289f. According to Hindson (catalogue VI); one of the best examples of Kaigyokusai's work from his later; mature period. Apparently Julius Katchen owned an almost identical model. W.3;6cm. Condition A.

Provenance:
-Henderson Collection.
-M. M. Hepworth Collection.
-Hindson Collection; no. 126; and color plate p. 45; Auction VI; 11.03.1969; lot 944.
-Exhibited: Contrasting Styles Exhibition; London; May 1980; no. 14.

Please note that objects made of ivory; rhinoceros horn and turtle shell; due to Cites regulations can only be sold within the European Community. At present the export in third countries is prohibited.
Art trade; Van Ham.