KOKEI: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A GOAT AND YOUNG ON A ROCK By Kokei, signed Kokei 虎溪
Japan, Kuwana, Ise province, first half of 19^th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Finely and dynamically carved as a young goat clambering on top of a craggy rock, its mother climbing up to meet it. Note the finely carved shaggy fur. The wood slightly worn and bearing a good patina. Himotoshi cleverly incorporated into the design, through the rock underneath, and signed KOKEI.

LENGTH 3.5 cm

Condition: Good condition with associated surface wear, tiny chip to one ear of the young goat
Provenance: Ex-collection Ted Wrangham. Edward A. ‘Ted’ Wrangham (1928-2009) formed one of the most important collections of Japanese Art in modern times. His reference book ‘The Index of Inro Artists’ (1995) is considered one of the most important English-language studies on Japanese lacquer ever published.

Auction comparison:
Kokei is best known for his netsuke of goats, however the addition of a cub is rather rare. For a netsuke of a goat by Kokei, see Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 143 (sold for 5,625 GBP).