Antique
Japanese Carved Netsuke
Monkey
Rat on Back
Signature: Masakazu, Circa: early 1900s'
H
1.5 in.(3.5cm), W 1.3 in.(3cm), D 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: excellent! This
artfully rendered Masakazu School netsuke is a capricious play of the rat catcher
motif dear to collectors. The monkey, the rat and the peach are the three icons
familier in Asian mythology. A monkey crouches covetously, almost lustfully over
a plump peach that displays a distinctive clef mark and finely rendered leaves.
He is about to enjoy it but is startled by a rat who crawls down his back. The
monkey's expression is priceless---a lopsided mouth and startled eyes animate
and give him life. The deep hatching on both the monkey and rat give the sense
of textural, tactile fur. Two highly detailed himotoshi are strategically placed
at the bottom of the monkey's seat. The stain on this ivory is a warm golden amber
that delightfully embellishes the play of characters. The netsuke is signed at
the bottom of the peach by Masakazu and is in excellent condition. (SD)
Private Collection |  |
