MASANAO SHINZAN: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED SNAKE
MASANAO SHINZAN: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED SNAKE
By Masanao Shinzan (1904-1982), signed Masanao 正直
Japan, 20th century
The lurking snake (hebi) forms a dense bundle with its sinuously curling body, resting its head at the very top, the focusing eyes inlaid in dark horn. The scales are realistically rendered, executed with alternating polished areas in-between finely incised ridges. The underside with the signature MASANAO and 'naturally' worked himotoshi.
As is evident in the style of the carving, Masanao Shinzan (1904-1982) was a member of the Masanao family of Yamada. His daughter Masami is the last surviving member and still carves netsuke to this day.
HEIGHT 3.6 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: European private collection.
Auction comparison:
A similar netsuke was sold by Zacke, Netsuke, Shin Hanga und Sosaku Hanga - Ausstellung 2009, lot 74.
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MASANAO SHINZAN: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED SNAKE
By Masanao Shinzan (1904-1982), signed Masanao 正直
Japan, 20th century
The lurking snake (hebi) forms a dense bundle with its sinuously curling body, resting its head at the very top, the focusing eyes inlaid in dark horn. The scales are realistically rendered, executed with alternating polished areas in-between finely incised ridges. The underside with the signature MASANAO and 'naturally' worked himotoshi.
As is evident in the style of the carving, Masanao Shinzan (1904-1982) was a member of the Masanao family of Yamada. His daughter Masami is the last surviving member and still carves netsuke to this day.
HEIGHT 3.6 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: European private collection.
Auction comparison:
A similar netsuke was sold by Zacke, Netsuke, Shin Hanga und Sosaku Hanga - Ausstellung 2009, lot 74.
