Netsuke in the form of a dog
Ivory, h. 6.4 cm, w. 3.2 cm, d. 1.3 cm; by Tomotada I, late
18th–early 19th century
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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A 'Kyoto-style' piece depicting a dog with its head tilted back and
mouth open, revealing sharp teeth and a curled tongue. The carving
captures a sense of movement, as if the creature is mid-howl or snarl.
Its ribs are clearly visible beneath the textured fur, further adding to
its expressive, almost lifelike quality.
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