Early 19c netsuke TOBA on mule with attendant

Description

Early 19th century netsuke of Chinese official, poet and calligrapher Toba with a bundle of books on his back riding on a mule accompanied by an attendant. Toba was removed from his post and sent into exile as a result of intrigues against him. Wonderful unhappy face, nice flow to his clothes, beautiful wear and patina turning yellow on the back where netsuke was touching the silk of kimono, compressed dust in crevices. Netsuke of the same subject and by the same carver but done as a mirror image of this one from the collection of His Royal Highness Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester is illustrated in 12/13th July, 2006 Christie’s London sale, lot 754. Height 1 11/16 inches.

Reserve: $600.00

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Early 19c netsuke TOBA on mule with attendant

Lot 0125

Estimate $700-$800

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Jun 05, 2026 12:00 PM EDT

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