A black-lacquered netsuke in the form of a broken-off piece of ink

By Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891), Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th century

By Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891), Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th century
Decorated in relief on one side with musical instruments and tassels, and two kanji (Chinese characters) on the other, the second character truncated; signed on one side Zeshin in incised characters. 3.1cm (1¼in).

Provenance:
Purchased in these rooms, 10 November 2011, lot 244.

Similar examples are illustrated by Neil K. Davey, Netsuke: A Comprehensive Study Based on the M. T. Hindson Collection, London, Faber & Faber and Sotheby Parke Bernet Publications, 1974, p.279, nos.846-847.