Masanao
is the name used by several artists living in Ise during the 19th Century who
all worked in a similar style and are regarded as a school; the Yamada-Ise school.
Although this netsuke dates from the close of the period, it displays the meticulous
animal rendering, drama and humor associated with Masanao school or other Yamada-Ise
carvers.
This
work is an excellent example of the range of subject and the self-reflective humor
of the netsuke carvers. Mimicking the intense concentration of an astute collector
bent over a new find, the monkey intently examines his prize, an antique inro
complete with four stacking wood boxes on a cord with tassel, and at the top,
the item which has seized the collector’s attention, an antique netsuke attached
by the cord. In this unusual composition, the monkey holds up a pair of spectacles
with which to examine his item, holding them between his rapt and smiling face
and the object of his fascination. The monkey’s face seen peering through the
spectacles is a comic exaggeration of the connoisseur’s glee. The naturalism of
this piece, as well as the finely finished details and engraving of ornamentation
on the garment, add to the delight of affectionate caricature.
