WILD DOG (YAMAINU) AND CRAB BY TOMOTADA

Estimate

10,000 - 15,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

WILD DOG (YAMAINU) AND CRABBY TOMOTADA
Signed in a rectangular reserve Tomotada
Ivory, the eyes inlaid
4.8cm., 1 7/8 in.

The emaciated hound is seated and leaning forward with one fore paw resting over a crab which lies at its feet. The dog's mouth is open, revealing a sharp set of teeth and its long tail passes forward tucking itself between the hind legs to form a compact composition.

Literature

The creature, often mistakenly identified as a wolf, is the wild dog or Yamainu (canis hodophylax), a resident of Japan, whereas the wolf is not indigenous.
For similar examples, see The Meinertzhagen Card Index, p.917 and Joe Earle, Netsuke, Fantasy and Reality in Japanese Miniature Sculputure, p.261, no.227.