SHIGEMASA: A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF SNAKE WINDING THROUGH A PUMPKIN

SHIGEMASA: A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF SNAKE WINDING THROUGH A PUMPKIN

By Shigemasa, signed Shigemasa 茂正
Japan, Nagoya, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Naturalistically carved as a snake weaving its way in and out of a rotting pumpkin, resting its head on its body as it looks upwards with determination. The snake's skin is incised with hexagonal scales, and the pumpkin's grooved surface is achieved with a heightened sense of naturalism. The cord attachment naturally formed by the looping stem. Signed within a rectangular reserve in raised characters SHIGEMASA.

LENGTH 3.5 cm

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

Auction comparison:
A closely related wood netsuke by the same artist, signed Shigemasa, was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 87 (sold for EUR 3,416).