CHUSEI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF SNAIL

CHUSEI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF SNAIL
By Chusei (Nakakiyo), signed nanaju go sai Chusei 中正
Japan, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868)

Another fine rendition of this classic model. The snail emerges from its shell with its feelers and labial tentacles folded back and resting on the shell for compactness. The curling foot underneath forms the himotoshi. The wood is pleasingly worn, particularly to the mollusk's shell. Note the minutely incised body of the snail. Signed within a rectangular reserve nanju go sai CHUSEI [Chusei at the age of seventy-five].

LENGTH 3.7 cm

Condition: Very good condition, the wood pleasingly worn.
Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell, sold at Sotheby's, Netsuke from the Collection of Raymond Bushell, 21 March 2000, New York, London, lot 63. Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt, acquired from the above.

A rare artist, who was evidently an accomplished carver of snails, focusing on compact designs. The only other netsuke recorded is a coiled rat, sold at Christie's, 14 June 1989, London, lot 267.