KAZUHIDE: A TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF ASHINAGA AND... Lot n° 20

By Kazuhide, signed Kazuhide 一秀 Japan, late 18 th to early 19 th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The two legendary symbiotic fishermen working together once again to fish an octopus out of the water. The long-legged Ashinaga is struggling to support Tenaga on his back with his short arms, while Tenaga reaches with his long arms after the struggling octopus entangled around the legs of Ashinaga. Very large himotoshi through the straw skirt in the back and signed within an oval reserve in boldly written characters KAZUHIDE. An expressive netsuke with a healthy dose of humor, the details finely worked. HEIGHT 10.5 cm Condition: Good condition. The right wrist with a tiny restored line. One tentacle which touches the right foot with a small repair. Provenance: European collection. Literature comparison: Compare to another netsuke with the same signature and oval reserve, dated to 18 th century, in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 315.