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Antique Japanese Fine
Netsuke Bather
After the Hot Tub Netsuke
Signature: Masatomo, Early 20th Century
h. 2.5 in.(6.5cm.), w. 1 in.(2.5cm.),
d. 0.5 in.(13cm.) Condition: excellent!
A sleek
impeccable carving on lightly stained caramel-colored ivory; striking vividness
accomplished contrasting unbroken nakedness with an expressively detailed face
which gapes in almost alarmed exhilaration as the bather draws up his fundoshi.
Contours and details superbly accomplished with unembellished realism, with a
high hand finish burnished to silky moistness; unmarred by the presence of holes
for attaching a cord--it was customary with this subject to use the openings in
the figure as himotoshi. Minor wear on the inner thigh. Signature on the bottom
of the right foot: Masatomo, a go used by Yukimasa, noted for his portrayals of
life and customs of the Edo period. Private Collection | |