netsuke

ivory netsuke attributed to Dosho

Osaka, 19th century

rat holding its tail

1 5/8 in., 4 cm

a compact rat holding its tail curled beneath its body, with inlaid eyes, fine hairwork and warm patina, unsigned

According to Ueda Reikichi in The Netsuke Handbook (Bushell, 1961, p. 221), Dosho (1828-1884) was born in 1828 in Izumo but moved to Osaka where he was a student of Anrakusai Doraku and the teacher of Sansho.

For a comparison with a signed study of two rats see Sotheby's London, June 12, 2003, lot no. 224. A distinctive characteristic of both pieces is the carving of the animal's whiskers in high relief- a convention famously utilized by the celebrated Osaka master, Kaigyokusai Masatsugu (1829-1982).

Published:
Scholten Japanese Art Exhibition Catalogue 2000, New York, September 2000, no. 10

kikumon

Scholten Japanese Art is open Monday - Friday, and some Saturdays by appointment only

Contact Katherine Martin at
(212) 585-0474 or email
[email protected]
to schedule a visit between 11am and 4pm preferably for no more than two individuals at a time.

site last updated
March 29, 2024

Scholten Japanese Art
145 West 58th Street, suite 6D
New York, New York 10019
ph: (212) 585-0474
fx: (212) 585-0475