Boar Tooth Netsuke. Surprised Dormouse And Eggplant. Japan Edo Early 19th Century. Anonymous.

Netsuké representing a squirrel, perhaps a dormouse. The little animal is carved from a boar's tooth. He has just been surprised and stands on his hind legs momentarily abandoning the vegetable (aubergine?) he was nibbling. Its inset eyes were carved from a shiny black material, probably horn. The imotoshi is natural, formed by the base of the tail. The artist knew how to breathe life into this little animal. Excellent quality, pleasant subject, perfectly sculpted, precise details, in particular the coat, beautiful patina, very little wear. There is no signature but the artist must have been one of the best of his time. During his work defects appeared in the tooth, the artist blocked them with small tenons as can be seen in some photos. We think it is a netsuké carved at the beginning of the 19th century, maybe before? Good condition. High: 43mm.