A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A FISHERMAN ON A CLAM BY TOMOKAZU
Wood netsukeJapan, Gifu19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)This netsuke is a masterful work, exemplified by the fisherman’s delicate arms and legs. The fisherman wears only a loincloth, which is partly stuck in the hamaguri clam. He is trying his best to break free. This scene symbolizes a disenchanted lover whose paramour will not let them go. Large himotoshi on the underside, inlaid eyes, signed in oval reserve TOMOKAZU. This netsuke carver originated from Gifu and founded a widely known school in Kyoto.HEIGHT 4.8 CM, WIDTH 4.2 CMCondition: Excellent, original conditionProvenance: British private collectionAuction comparison: For another model of a fisherman stuck in a clam by Tomokazu see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, London, 11 November 2010, lot 82.