TOMOTADA: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A DOG WITH HAMAGURI CLAM By Tomotada, signed Tomotada Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, Vol. 1, pp. 20f., no. K46. The slender hound lies on the ground, leaning on its elbow and holding a hamaguri clam between its forepaws and licking it. The eyes, with inlaid pupils of dark horn, are downturned as it fixates the shell with a gleeful expression. The dog wears a collar, has beautifully carved floppy ears, splendid curvature to the body, an expressed spine and an emaciated rib cage. The hairwork is masterfully incised, and characteristically worn. The backside has developed a rich honey patina and the underside shows large, hollow and asymmetrical himotoshi, exactly as they should be. Signed in a rectangular reserve TOMOTADA 友忠. LENGTH 4.8 cm Condition: Excellent condition with expected wear and age cracks. Very good patina. Provenance: Julius and Arlette Katchen collection, Paris. Offered at Sotheby’s, The Katchen Collection of Netsuke Part II, 13 July 2006, London, lot 258 (Estimate 15.000 – 18.000 GBP). Then sold by Max Rutherston privately to a German collector.