Maker attributed by valuer Lynette Cunnington (1995) but according to Lesley Keho the signature is not genuine (1995).

This object was part of a collection owned by the donors Alastair and Hedda Morrison. It was bought in Japan in 1961 for 3,300 Yen.

Netsuke, Japanese toggle, dog playing with shell, wood, maker unknown, Japan, 1700-1900. Hand carved wood figure. Depicts a dog or puppy playing with a shell.The puppy is sitting on its hind legs and has its front paws resting on the shell. There is an inscription in Japanese characters on the bottom of the figure which may be the signature of the maker, Okatomo. Okatomo carved mostly animal and bird subjects in ivory and his pieces are often copied. The heads of his animals are usually square shaped with snub muzzles or snouts, as in this example. This figure is similar to another one of a puppy and awabi shell (Davey, 197, p.75)

Designed: Okatomo; Japan; 1700 - 1900


Owned: Morrison, Alastair;

Owned: Morrison, Hedda;

Inscription, on underside of figure, engraved Japanese characters, signature of maker, Okatomo

96/60/26

1700 - 1900

25 mm

30 mm