Project Description
Boxwood Netsuke of Tengu no Tamago by Toyomasa II
The karasu tengu rests both hands on the broken edge of its shell, one wing with its feathers spread comfortably on the outside. The eyes are mid-toned buffalo horn with drilled pupils
Signed. Tamba. Circa 1860
Height: 4.3 cm
The artist was the son and best pupil of Naito Toyomasa I, and sometimes signed his work as Hidari ( left-handed) Toyomasa. His name has previously been read as Toyoyasu, though Toyoyo is what the Naito family continues to call him. For further information on the question, see Moss (op. cit.)
Literature:
Sydney L. Moss, More things in Heaven and Earth, n° 49
Provenance:
Private collection, Italy
Sydney L. Moss, 2005, where purchased by the present owner
MR3970
