A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED RAT

A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED RAT

Unsigned
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

An ideally compact and finely carved wood netsuke depicting a rat tightly coiled into a ball, with one forepaw holding the thick base of its sinuous tail, the hind paws covering its nose. The fur is neatly incised and stained, and the tail is well-detailed. The large eyes are inlaid in lustrous dark horn. Two himotoshi to the underside.

LENGTH 3.4 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, one of the eyes has been replaced.

This model is best known by carvers from the Masanao lineage but has also been executed by Nagoya carvers such as Ittan.

Auction comparison:
Compare a related wood netsuke of a coiled rat, by Ittan, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 28 April 2023, Vienna, lot 77 (sold for EUR 4,160).