Finely carved in wood as a seated puppy, the forepaws placed neatly beneath the chest and the head slightly raised, giving the animal a gentle, attentive expression. The rounded modelling and naturalistic posture convey a sense of warmth and quiet character, typical of animal netsuke intended to be appreciated both visually and in the hand.
The fur is rendered with finely incised, short knife strokes following the contours of the body, contrasting with the smoothly polished surfaces of the back and haunches, which show a rich patina developed through handling. The eyes are inlaid in dark horn, lending the puppy a lively and expressive appearance.
The composition is carefully arranged so that the himotoshi is formed naturally by the triangular opening between the forepaws and the body, an elegant structural solution allowing the cord to pass through while preserving the compact sculptural integrity of the carving. This integration of function and form reflects the thoughtful design characteristic of well-conceived netsuke.
The underside bears the two-character signature Masanao (正直). The hind legs are skilfully carved to form a stable base, while the underside shows smooth handling wear consistent with age and use.
The wood has developed a deep, attractive patina, with gentle rounding to the edges from handling, enhancing the tactile quality of the piece.
Size: approximately 4 cm long, 3 cm high
Condition: Very good condition for the period, with minor handling wear and a well-developed patina.
