† TOYOKAZU: A FINE TANBA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SHISHIBy Shugasai Toyokazu, signed Toyokazu 豊一Japan, Sasayama, Tanba province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Superbly carved as a seated shishi turning its head curiously, the face with a prominent reishi nose and large inlaid eyes of pale translucent horn with dark pupils. The details are very finely carved – the mythical lion dog has a thick bushy tail, curling mane, and finely incised fur, accentuated with black staining for effect, as is typical for the Tanba school artist. Natural himotoshi, the signature TOYOKAZU within an oval reserve.LENGTH 3.9 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and traces of use. The left eye with a small chip.Provenance: Ex-collection Nelson and Happy Rockefeller. Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller (1908-1979) was an American businessman and politician who served as the 41st vice president of the United States from 1974 to 1977.Shugasai Toyokazu is widely regarded as the most accomplished pupil of Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856).Action comparison: Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of two shishi, by Toyokazu, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 82 (sold for 6,320 EUR).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer’s premium – only for buyers within the EU.