A JAPANESE BONE NETSUKE MEIJI 1868-1912 Depicting an armour-clad samurai

A JAPANESE BONE NETSUKE

MEIJI 1868-1912

Depicting an armour-clad samurai, possibly Kato Kiyomasa, restraining a tiger beneath him, holding a short dagger in his right hand ready to administer the fatal blow, the feline with its mouth open and baring its fangs, unsigned, 4.4cm.

Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611) was a daimyo living during the Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo periods. Famous for his uncompromising militaristic views, he led several successful campaigns against Joseon in Korea. He established and expanded many castles, including Kumamoto, and is often represented practising his hobby of hunting tigers.