TADAKUNI: A VERY RARE AND FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO KAPPA
By Tadakuni, signed Tadakuni
Japan, Nagoya, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Published: Neil K. Davey, Netsuke,1974, no. 574
F. Meinertzhagen, MCI Part B, New York, 1986, page 837.

A superbly detailed and fine carving of two young kappa, facing in opposite directions, atop three conjoined rocks adorned with finely engraved vines and leaves. The scaly creatures have precisely incised hair and finely crafted, enigmatic expressions with minutely inlaid eyes. One of them is holding a fish. Signed beneath the bridge, separating the very good himotoshi, TADAKUNI 忠國 in raised ukibori characters.

HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 3.5 cm

Condition: Excellent condition with a stunning patina.
Provenance: Ex W.W Winkworth collection, Ex M.T Hindson collection sold at Sotheby's 9 July 1968, London, lot 620.

Tadakuni of Nagoya was a pupil of Tadatoshi, though arguably more brilliant than the latter and considerably rarer, since his output was rather limited. As evident in the present netsuke he was capable of individual design. Neil. K. Davey states that they are kappa-like creatures and fanciful creations of the artist, a man of creative genius. Furthermore, Neil K. Davey and F. Meinertzhagen state that this netsuke is extremely fine and very fine, respectively.