Wolf 1767 - 1833

Tomotada, a prominent Japanese netsuke carver, created this detailed ivory sculpture of a wolf in the late 18th or early 19th century. This small, intricately carved netsuke, which is a traditional Japanese toggle, features a crouching wolf with a fierce expression, capturing the animal's wild nature. The delicate carving and realistic depiction of the wolf's fur are hallmarks of Tomotada's signature style. Now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this netsuke is a testament to the skill and artistry of Japanese woodcarvers during the Edo period.