A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A FROG ATTRIBUTED TO RENSAI
Ivory netsukeJapan, Asakusamid to late 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: ‘In Search for Netsuke & Inro’, George Cohen, London, 1974, plate 5, no. 68The ivory stained and of a beautiful colour. The smooth frog, masterfully depicted in movement, is shown climbing up on a beehive, which is carved with great detail, small holes are added to create a ‘decaying effect’. The frog has one of its hands rested on a leaf under which lies a gourd. Himotoshi on the underside and through the wasp nest. Unsigned but certainly by Rensai.HEIGHT 2.5 CM, LENGTH 3.5 CMCondition: Excellent conditionProvenance: Austrian private collection