A RARE AND EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH... Lot n° 18

Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A well-loved and early piece with significant amount of wear and a beautiful patina. Depicted is a large male monkey with a smaller monkey resting on his thigh. The larger monkey is looking upwards, with many wrinkles in his face and bulging eyes, while the younger monkey is depicted sensitively with closed eyes and sleeping, producing an interesting contrast. The father rests one hand on the young monkey's back, which visually calms him, and uses the other to scratch his own back. Good and well-hidden himotoshi through the side and the belly. HEIGHT 4.8 cm Condition: An old chip to the feet of the monkeys near the area of the himotoshi. Many expected age cracks, beautiful patina with some honey colored areas. Provenance: British private collection with two valuations from Sotheby's, by Neil K. Davey, dated 1974 & 1984, inventory no. 99.