Antique Japanese Ivory Netsuke
Monkey
Rat on Back
Signature: Masakazu, Circa: early 1900s'
H 1.5 in.(3.5cm), W 1.3 in.(3cm), D 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: excellent!

This artfully rendered Masakazu School ivory netsuke is a capricious play of the rat catcher motif dear to collectors. The monkey, the rat and the peach are the three icons familier in Asian mythology. A monkey crouches covetously, almost lustfully over a plump peach that displays a distinctive clef mark and finely rendered leaves. He is about to enjoy it but is startled by a rat who crawls down his back. The monkey's expression is priceless---a lopsided mouth and startled eyes animate and give him life. The deep hatching on both the monkey and rat give the sense of textural, tactile fur. Two highly detailed himotoshi are strategically placed at the bottom of the monkey's seat. The stain on this ivory is a warm golden amber that delightfully embellishes the play of characters. The ivory is signed at the bottom of the peach by Masakazu and is in excellent condition. (SD)

Sold to Private Collection