Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Carved as a rather bulky model of a merman, almost the entire body covered in finely incised scales, the long hair flowing down the sides and along the merman’s large arms in which he holds a tama (magical jewel). Very large, asymmetrical, and deeply excavated himotoshi. Gorgeous, deep, and natural hand patina. The face and bulky proportions of this humanoid fish, suggest it is a merman rather than a mermaid. LENGTH 5.5 cm Condition: Very good, worn condition. Stunning patina. Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt. Auction comparison: Compare to a very similar unsigned wood netsuke, described as a mermaid or merman, sold at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 63 (sold for 4,375 GBP).
Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Carved as a rather bulky model of a merman, almost the entire body covered in finely incised scales, the long hair flowing down the sides and along the merman’s large arms in which he holds a tama (magical jewel). Very large, asymmetrical, and deeply excavated himotoshi. Gorgeous, deep, and natural hand patina. The face and bulky proportions of this humanoid fish, suggest it is a merman rather than a mermaid. LENGTH 5.5 cm Condition: Very good, worn condition. Stunning patina. Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt. Auction comparison: Compare to a very similar unsigned wood netsuke, described as a mermaid or merman, sold at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 63 (sold for 4,375 GBP).
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
