Description KOKEI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT BOARBy Kokei, signed Kokei 虎溪Japan, Kuwana, Ise province, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Bandini, Rosemary (1999) Shishi and other Netsuke. The Collection of Harriet Szechenyi, p. 105, no. 156.Depicted in a recumbent posture, the body slightly curved, its legs tucked underneath the body for compactness, the reishi-shaped snout lifted into the air, and the ears drawn back curiously. The eyes are inlaid in dark horn and the fur is masterfully incised in the typical manner of the artist. The underside shows the well-carved hooves and signature within a polished reserve KOKEI. Natural himotoshi.LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Harriet Szechenyi.Literature comparison:For another wood netsuke of a boar by Kokei, dated c. 1800, see Atchley, Virginia / Davey, Neil (2006) The Virginia Atchley Collection of Japanese Miniature Arts, p. 51, no. N43.Auction comparison:A closely related ebony wood netsuke of a boar by Kokei was sold at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French Private Collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 98 (sold for 5,687 GBP).