9th May, 2025 13:00
Fine Netsuke & Sagemono
214
KANO TOMOKAZU: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX
€5,000
€10,000
€5,000 (1bid)
A buyer’s premium of 30.00% (including VAT) applies to the hammer price of this lot if your bid is successful.
By Kano Tomokazu (c. 1765-1840), signed Tomokazu 友一
Japan, Gifu, first half of the 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Finely carved and beautifully stained to depict a recumbent ox lying with its head slightly raised and turned to the left, its legs drawn in for compactness, the eyes carefully double inlaid in pale translucent horn with dark pupils giving life to the expression. The bulky animal has a pronounced spine, a finely incised fur coat, and a rope halter which passes through the nose, over the horns and all the way around to its haunches. Natural himotoshi and signed to the underside within an oval reserve TOMOKAZU.
LENGTH 4.8 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.
Provenance: Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 11 May 2017, London, lot 4. A private collection, acquired from the above.
Kano Tomokazu (c. 1765-1840), one of the earliest artists from Gifu, worked primarily in wood (mostly tsuge), which he treated with various stains. At 17, he began working for the Shibata family, where he developed a passion for carving. Despite his master's initial disapproval, he secretly practiced at night and improved his craft. Once his master recognized his talent, he received full support. Tomokazu later moved to Kyoto, gaining recognition for his intricate netsuke carvings. Eventually, he returned to Gifu, where he built a secluded hermitage near Kinkazan Mountain, living a life of celibacy. Dedicated to his art, he once spent three days studying deer in the wild to perfect his carvings.
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a recumbent ox, by Kano Tomokazu, illustrated in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 2, p. 1155. Compare a closely related wood netsuke of an ox with inlaid eyes, by Tomokazu, illustrated in Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, Vol. 2, p. 116-117, no. K253. Compare a closely related wood netsuke of an ox with inlaid eyes, by Masakazu, illustrated in Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, Vol. 2, p. 116-117, no. K254.
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a recumbent ox, by Kano Tomokazu, Gifu, 19th century, 4.8 cm wide, at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 117 (sold for GBP 15,000).
By Kano Tomokazu (c. 1765-1840), signed Tomokazu 友一
Japan, Gifu, first half of the 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Finely carved and beautifully stained to depict a recumbent ox lying with its head slightly raised and turned to the left, its legs drawn in for compactness, the eyes carefully double inlaid in pale translucent horn with dark pupils giving life to the expression. The bulky animal has a pronounced spine, a finely incised fur coat, and a rope halter which passes through the nose, over the horns and all the way around to its haunches. Natural himotoshi and signed to the underside within an oval reserve TOMOKAZU.
LENGTH 4.8 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.
Provenance: Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 11 May 2017, London, lot 4. A private collection, acquired from the above.
Kano Tomokazu (c. 1765-1840), one of the earliest artists from Gifu, worked primarily in wood (mostly tsuge), which he treated with various stains. At 17, he began working for the Shibata family, where he developed a passion for carving. Despite his master's initial disapproval, he secretly practiced at night and improved his craft. Once his master recognized his talent, he received full support. Tomokazu later moved to Kyoto, gaining recognition for his intricate netsuke carvings. Eventually, he returned to Gifu, where he built a secluded hermitage near Kinkazan Mountain, living a life of celibacy. Dedicated to his art, he once spent three days studying deer in the wild to perfect his carvings.
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a recumbent ox, by Kano Tomokazu, illustrated in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 2, p. 1155. Compare a closely related wood netsuke of an ox with inlaid eyes, by Tomokazu, illustrated in Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, Vol. 2, p. 116-117, no. K253. Compare a closely related wood netsuke of an ox with inlaid eyes, by Masakazu, illustrated in Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, Vol. 2, p. 116-117, no. K254.
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a recumbent ox, by Kano Tomokazu, Gifu, 19th century, 4.8 cm wide, at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 117 (sold for GBP 15,000).
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Auction: Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 9th May, 2025
We’re pleased to present our first Fine Netsuke & Sagemono auction of the year.
The sale begins with a strong group of fine inro, showcasing a range of materials and lacquer techniques. Highlights include the stitched cherry bark inro by Kanshosai Toyo (Lot 14), and a striking yamimaki-e inro depicting Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s famous Earth Spider print (Lot 25).
From Lot 80 to the end of the sale, the auction focuses on fine netsuke, spanning a wide range of materials, styles, and schools. Notable pieces include a detailed carving of shishi lions on a base, signed Tomotada (Lot 149); the transforming goat attributed to Kaigyokusai Masatsugu—our cover piece (Lot 163); and an ingeniously carved basket of fish by Tsukamoto Kyokusai (Lot 291). Learn more.
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