A REMARKABLE AND EARLY WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING ACTOR

A REMARKABLE AND EARLY WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING ACTOR

Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A large and remarkably bold wood netsuke depicting a man, likely an actor or performer, dressed in a loose, well-carved kimono, his body hunched down over a cushion and resting his head and hands on a folded fan. His expression is superbly crafted, clearly worn-out and tired from his craft; a sagemono set including a gourd netsuke, ojime and inro is hung from his obi (sash). The well-worn wood bearing a superb, unctuous patina. Very large and asymmetrical himotoshi to the underside.

LENGTH 4.3 cm

Condition: Good condition. A few age cracks, surface scratches and tiny nicks here and there.
Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Ferdinand and Dr. Gudrun Thaler-Szulyovsky, and thence by descent in the same family. The couple, who had both been practicing law, met in 1967 through their mutual passion for art. Together they built a substantial and diverse art collection over many decades.