RARE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A MERMAID AND YOUNG

A RARE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A MERMAID AND YOUNG
Unsigned
Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The mermaid (ningyo) shown with her fish-like tail curling around, the scales finely incised, and holding her child close to her, lifting one breast to suckle her offspring. The wood is finely stained, typical for the Nagoya school, and bears a good patina. Natural himotoshi through the tail of the adult mermaid.

LENGTH 4.5 cm

Condition: Very good condition with expected surface wear.
Provenance: US private collection, purchased from Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 16 September 2014, New York, lot 2070 (sold for 2.000 USD).

Auction comparison:
Though several examples of mermaids are known across the Nagoya school, the combination of a mermaid with child is considerably rare. For another example see Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part III, 15 May 2012, London, lot 96 (sold for 6.875 GBP). Another netsuke of the same subject by Kokei was sold by Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 65 (sold for 6.875 GBP).