Netsuke, wood. Japan, 18th cent.
In Japan the wolf is referred to as “mountain dog†because the actual wolf was not indigenous, hence, the talk was only of larger wild dogs. The netsuke depictions which often offer the yama-inu never present a dog, but a wild and greedy – and very expressive – beast. The depiction at hand is also a wolf, masterfully rounded, anatomically powerful effect, the incarnation of greed. Alternatively, he is also called Okami (“great godâ€) in Japan and it is believed that if treated with kindness, he will respond accordingly. Inlaid eyes, outstanding netsuke-form, beautiful wood colour with patina, “natural†himotoshi.
HEIGHT 3,6 CM
From a German private collection