AN IVORY NETSUKE BY TOMOKAZU OF TWO RATSIvory netsuke. Japan, 19th centuryA lively and amusing group with two nezumi; one large, the other significantly smaller and behind the first rat. Both have black inlaid eyes full of life and very expressively shaped heads with sharp ears. This is obviously an idiosyncrasy of the carver, who has nothing to do with the Tomokazu from Gifu and Nagoya. Rather, this is an artist from the well-known Tomochika circle in Tokyo, which also included Tomomasa. The larger rat is about to eat the bean in front of it. The fur on both animals is a good, fluid piece of work, skillfully depicting the soft, silky texture of rat fur. The little rat is quite charming, clumsily climbing on its mother. The tails are crafted three-dimensionally, yet close to the rats so that they will not break off. The signature TOMO-KAZU 友 一 is found in a rectangular frame between the larger rats’ legs, with a himotoshi on its belly. Condition: Good condition, age crack on the back Provenance: From an Austrian private collection Published:: Illustrated in “Netsuke und Sagemono von Meistern aus Japan“ by Wolmar Zacken (1992) – no. 109LENGTH 4.4 CMThis lot is subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora [CITES]. It may only be exported outside the European Union after an export permit in accordance with CITES has been granted by the Austrian authorities. Zacke Gallery cannot and does not guarantee that such export permit may or will be obtained, but will by order of the winning bidder, once and exclusively after the item in question has been paid in full, apply to obtain such a permit at a fixed administrative fee of €100,- per application (fee valid for 'Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono' auction only). This process usually takes 6 months, and most permits we have applied for, have been granted in the past. Our team is happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding this process