A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OKIMONO DEPICTING THE TWELVE …A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OKIMONO DEPICTING THE TWELVE ZODIAC ANIMALS BY TOMOMASABy Tomomasa, ivory netsuke-okimono Japan, mid to late 19th century The twelve animals of the zodiac, also known as Junishi, arranged in a circle. The scene is dominated by the large and ferocious dragon grasping a smooth pearl (tama) with a flaming beard and horns, one of the horns is grabbed by a monkey who is holding a snake in its hand. The little rat is on top of the large horse, and the tiger with its thick tail curling upwards, is snarling at the horse. Underneath them the little puppy dog and goat can be found. A little rooster is perched on top of the ox, and the rabbit and boar are seated next to it. The underside with an attractive accumulation of hooves and legs, with the scaly tail of the dragon in the center, where also the signature TOMOMASA 友正 and seki 刾. The eyes of the animals are inlaid in dark horn. There are possibilities for himotoshi, though due to the size it was probably used as an okimono. HEIGHT 5.2 cm Provenance: British private collection.Condition: Very good condition.