Description: Bronze
Japan, Meiji period (1868 - 1912)
The old man is seated on a straw mat, pensively smoking his kiseru while holding his tobacco pouch with ashtray netsuke in the other hand. The unfinished zori sandle is tied to his foot, a finished sandal is next to him. Particularly the expressive facial features and his garments are finely cast. Signed with a seal in a square reserve on the base – TAKAHASHI RYOUN 高橋凌雲
Shape: Figural shape, rectangular straw mat
Dimensions: 43 cm (height), 41.5 cm (width)
Condition: Good condition with expected wear and fine patina, the tip of the kiseru is lostand, a small section of one foot is worn off
Provenance: Austrian private collection
Auction result comparison: For a large bronze by the same artist see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art including two Masterpieces by Kitaoji Rosanjin (1883 – 1959), 7 November 2013, lot 556.