AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A SOUTH SEA ISLANDER
Ivory netsukeJapanearly 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An interesting study of a visibly primitive man wearing only a loincloth and holding a large fruit with a circular opening on one side with a tiny moveable bead inside, in both hands. The man, whose hair is tied in a knot, is staring and screaming. The loincloth is simple and ‘made’ from tufts of grass. Rings are carved around the islander’s joints. This is a notably delicate work with a fine patina, himotoshi on the behind, inlaid eyes. South sea Islanders were a popular motif in netsuke art.HEIGHT 5.2 CMCondition: Good condition with irregular, deep patinaProvenance: German private collectionAuction comparison: A similar netsuke was sold at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham collection of Japanese Art Part IV, London, 6 November 2013, lot 59.