A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A FUGU

A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A FUGU
Unsigned
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Well carved as a blowfish (fugu) with neatly incised tail and fins, the wood finely stained and polished to render the fish's spotted skin. The underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi.

LENGTH 5.1 cm

Condition: Good condition with minor wear, a tiny nick to the tail, and few light scratches.
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.

Literature comparison:
A closely related netsuke of a fugu, but with red and black lacquer, is in the collection of the National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden, inventory number RV-1555-20.