MATSUSHITA OTOMAN: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A HORSE AND GROOM By Matsushita Otoman, signed Otoman Japan, Hakata, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) An early piece by the master carver Matsushita Otoman of Hakata. Depicted is a horse led on a halter by his groom, all set on an oval base. The horse’s saddlecloth shows a shippo design, typical for Otoman. The horse has inlaid eyes of horn, typically inset at the very bottom, a finely incised mane and a swinging tail. The groom’s expression is very typical for the Hakata carver, so idiosyncratic that one does not need to see to signature, to recognize his work. Signed OTOMAN 音滿 on the underside of the base. HEIGHT 2.9 cm Condition: Excellent condition with expected wear. Provenance: British collection. Literature comparison: For a related netsuke by Otoman which is set on a base, see the British Museum, museum number F. 663. For another netsuke by Otoman depicting Shoki mounted on a horse, see Barry Davies Oriental Art (1998) The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Non-Iwami Netsuke, pp.188f., no. 135. Note the similarity of the swinging tail of the horse.