A wood netsuke of a simplified sparrow

By Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856), Tanba Province, early 19th century

By Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856), Tanba Province, early 19th century
Signed Toyomasa.
5.1cm (2in) wide.

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Provenance:
Marianne Densmore, Paris, 1968.

Published:
Katchen, N7, vol.2, p.173, no.K523.

Shown flying with its wings spread and its head raised, facing ahead, bearing a concerned expression as if engaging on its first foray into the air, a fallen leaf carved in relief on its underside, the slightly worn wood of good colour and the eyes inlaid.

For a similar model by Toyomasa, see Okada and Neill, RIB, no.69.