AN AMUSING IVORY NETSUKE OF A FUGU FISH
Ivory netsukeJapanlate 19th/20th centuryThe fugu fish, also known as a blow fish or puffer fish, is a highly poisonous but also a very expensive delicacy in Japan. The fugu is depicted here with a humorous expression, its eyes are wide apart, inlaid with black horn and it has its mouth wide open, baring two rows of teeth. The top part of the fish is covered with a greenish-black, coarse lacquer that naturalistically simulates the surface of its real-life counterpart. Himotoshi on the underside next to the inscribed character JU.LENGTH 5.5 CMCondition: Good condition; one larger hairline to the sideProvenance: Collection of Sam Felton with CITES permit no. 18US59513C/9Auction comparison: A similar netsuke of a fugu by contemporary artist Keiun was sold at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from the Adrienne Barbanson collection, 13 May 2013, London, lot 31.