Japan, probably Kyoto Terracotta Wood netsuke depicting a...

Old Japanese wooden netsuke depicting a seated monkey intently examining a flea held in its raised paw. The composition, compact and expressive, is built around the animal’s long arms that frame the body, while the legs are drawn forward. The face is powerfully modeled, with deep orbital cavities, a angular nose, and a particularly lively expression. The fur is rendered by numerous fine incisions, still clearly visible in the protected areas. The eyes are directly carved into the wood and are not inlaid. The reverse and underside feature broad himotoshi, deeply hollowed and fully integrated into the functional design of the netsuke. The wood shows a beautiful old brown patina, darker in the hollows and lighter and polished on the reliefs, a consequence of long handling and use. The theme of a monkey examining or catching a flea is well attested in netsuke sculpture of the 18th century. A very close subject is notably documented in the work of Masanao of Kyoto. The present piece, unsigned, is however not attributed to Masanao. Its compact modeling, the power of its volumes, and its overall treatment nonetheless allow cautiously proposing a link to Kyoto’s animalier tradition of the second half of the 18th century. Japan, Edo period, second half of the 18th century, probably around 1770–1800. Unsigned. Height: 4.1 cm. Good condition for its age, with old wear, small marks, light scratches and scuffing. No major structural damage or significant restoration apparent. Provenance: old private Italian collection; acquired from Pierre-Eric Becker, Cannes, on December 2, 1999; later acquired on the Austrian art market. video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/jwcekh2a1t72fm4jint2g/AMENCt9V_moApV0IBXRzV70?rlkey=ami8frb6by0vbekbqokeiw5xi&dl=0

Estimation:€1,700

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