Signed Tomotada 友忠 Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved as a recumbent cow with finely incised hairwork and with a rope halter attached to its nose, the rope curling around over its back. The cow has powerfully carved, bulky proportions and a pronounced spine. Two (!) calves are nestling up to her, one in the back and one in the front, each licking the mother’s fur. The eye pupils of the adult cow are inlaid in dark horn. The well-carved underside houses the asymmetrical, generously excavated himotoshi, the signature in-between within a rectangular reserve – TOMOTADA. Fine yellowish patina throughout. This may well be the only netsuke signed Tomotada with two calves. LENGTH 6.1 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and few expected horizontal age cracks through the body of the mother. Provenance: Ex collection Irving Gould.