Lot 23: A Wood netsuke of a seal and pup By Jack Coutu (1924-2017), English, carved April 1994 (no.237)

A Wood netsuke of a seal and pup
By Jack Coutu (1924-2017), English, carved April 1994 (no.237) The adult and pup curled around each other, forming a compact composition in effectively stained wood, the eyes inlaid in horn; signed on a silver tablet JC. 6.7cm (2 5/8in) long. (2).

Sold together with Jack Coutu's reference card (no.237), on which he modestly states: 'This one seemed to work as I had intended. I have not quite made up my mind about it! I find it rather boring and slug like, which is what I expected in the first place. Perhaps it lacks "inspiration". It is also rather large as usual. I reserve judgement! The colour photo is all brown. A bad batch this time!'