Beschreibung:

Katalognummer: JAPNE0619-318 A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A FRUSTRATED RAT CATCHER BY HOKYUDO ITSUMIN By Itsumin, ivory netsuke Japan, Edo/Tokyo, late 19th century A rather large ivory netsuke depicting a frustrated rat catcher armed with a club and holding down a box with which he tries to catch a little rat, which has escaped over his back. The rat which is placidly seated on his shoulder is carved naturalistically. The rat catcher’s face is a sight to behold – his expression is distorted and visibly in pain as he realizes his failed attempt whilst glancing over his shoulder at the rat. Also note the fine details such as the muscu-lar body and the well-carved hands and feet. The unusual signature ITSUMIN 逸民 do jin to 道人 刀 – meaning carved by retired man Itsumin – is found on the underside of the loincloth. Large and good himotoshi through the side. HEIGHT 5.6 cm Provenance: British private collection. Condition: A section of the left foot and hand, as well as the right knee have been reattached. The tail of the rat has been chipped. The end section of the club is possibly reattached however most likely restored, some minor and faint age cracks. Literature comparison: A similar netsuke signed Hokyudo Itsumin is illustrated in The Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the Archives of the British Museum Part A, Frederick Meinertzhagen (edited by George Lazarnick), New York, 1986, page 247. Schätzpreis 估價: € 1.000 Startpreis 起拍價: € 500 -