NETSUKE: MIGHTY TIGER.
Japan. Edo period. 2nd half 18th c.

Mighty tiger; its head; with ears pricked up warily; turned licking the underside of its left hind paw. Its long; pointed tail flung animatedly over its left flank and up the back as far as the shoulder. Boxwood; boldly carved with many fine details; such as the toes of all four paws; or the stripes of its coat; vigorously engraved and with darker accents. The eyes are highlighted with brass onlay without pupils. Signed below the left hind paw on an indicated rectangular reserve: Minko. Undoubtedly the Juntoku Minko mentioned in the Soken Kisho (see MCI; p. 505). L.5;5cm. Condition A.Art trade; Van Ham.