A WOOD NETSUKE OF A HUNTER AND FOX BY HIDEMASA
Wood netsukeJapan19th centuryThe hunter is carrying a large, full sack on his back, from which the head of a small fox, or kitsune, emerges on one side, its tail on the other. The fox’s nature can be demonic and ominous; it can jinx people and take many different forms, among other characteristics. The hunter’s satisfied look – he does not suspect anything could go wrong – is finely carved, as are the many different details in this great netsuke. Signature HIDEMASA on the underside, himotoshi through the sack. The beautiful grain of the wood has been used very well.HEIGHT 3 CMCondition: Very good and complete conditionProvenance: British private collection