Lot 22: Two boxwood netsuke of a wildcat and a fawn By Jack Coutu (1924-2017), English, the first carved September 1988, the second carved April 1997

Two boxwood netsuke of a wildcat and a fawn
By Jack Coutu (1924-2017), English, the first carved September 1988, the second carved April 1997The first of a seated wildcat, its head turned to the right and one forepaw resting on a captured bird, the eyes inlaid in horn and tortoiseshell, signed on a silver tablet JC, 4.4cm (1¾in) long; the second a fallow deer fawn lying on a bed of maple leaves, its head turned back to the left, forming a compact composition, the eyes inlaid in horn, signed on a silver tablet JC, 6cm (2 3/8in) long. (4).

Sold together with Jack Coutu's reference cards, the first (no.151) states: 'One of my best carvings yet. A good piece of boxwood has given it a beautiful colour. The design has worked out very well, even the eyes. The bird is a reed bunting and the wood has polished well and should take a good patina with time.' The second card (no.269) states: 'I placed the fawn on a bed of leave[sic] to create extra interest. It turned out rather large once again but felt right. It may suit a sumo-wrestler but would look ridiculous on a small inro. It has some good points. Perhaps it needs a little wear and time to soften it.'