AN EXCEPTIONAL KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A... Lot n° 48

Unsigned Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Bandini, Rosemary (November 2014) Japanese Netsuke from the Collection of Teddy Hahn, no. 29 An exceptional, large and compact ivory netsuke depicting a rat (nezumi) with its head lowered and lifting its right hindleg up to scratch its ear, while the two hands firmly grab hold of the well-carved tail which curls around in front of the animal. The hairwork is minutely incised and characteristically worn for a late 18th century Kyoto-school work. Note the large ears and nose with incised whiskers. The eyes are large inlays of lustrous black buffalo horn. The underside shows the left hindleg neatly tucked underneath the body, and the generously excavated, asymmetrical himotoshi. When comparing this unsigned netsuke to the various Kyoto school artists, it compares best to the rats of Masanao of Kyoto due to the strikingly large ears. HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 4.7 cm Condition: Excellent condition with age-related surface wear and age cracks. Provenance: Ex collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt, Germany.