CHIKURIN: AN UNUSUAL IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT CATCHER

CHIKURIN: AN UNUSUAL IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT CATCHER

By Chikurin, signed Chikurin 竹林
Japan, probably Edo (Tokyo), second half of 19th century

Lying prone, the master rat catcher resting his head lazily in his hand, wearing only a loin cloth, reaching back lackadaisically to grab the tail of a large rat, which attempts to sneak onto his back. His eyes look up and away as he releases a sigh of boredom, sporting a confident grin. Unlike depictions of other rat catchers, who are more often than not caricatured with agonized and frustrated expressions, this hero appears to be unchallenged by his task. The hair on his legs, chest, and the stubble on his chin as well as the rat's fur are neatly incised and inked. Asymmetrical himotoshi and signed to the underside CHIKURIN.

LENGTH 4.8 cm

Condition: Very good condition with only minor surface wear.
Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.

Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 24-B-0064).

This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.