A WOOD NETSUKE OF A DRUNKEN SHOJO BY MASATADA
Wood netsukeJapan, Ise-Yamada19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A shojo is a spirit that likes to appear as a girl-like creature and is always thirsty for sake. The word shojo is sometimes also translated as orangutan and can be used in Japanese to refer to someone who particularly enjoys drinking alcohol. This netsuke shows a shojo with characteristically long and finely carved hair, stretched out legs and a round head with full cheeks. The work shows great attention to detail, with finely carved fingers, toes, garment decorations, etc. The shojo’s face indicates she is greatly enjoying her drunken stupor. Large hollowed out himotoshi beside an ovally framed signature MASATADA, a student of Masanao (Yamada).LENGTH 3.7 CMCondition: Excellent condition; the wood bearing a fine patinaProvenance: British private collection