AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A KAKI FRUIT AND BIRD BY OHARA MITSUHIRO (1810 –1875)
Ivory netsukeJapan, Osakaaround mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Ohara Mitsuhiro from Osaka is one of the greatest netsuke artists, famous for his unique style, meticulous attention to detail and use of the finest ivory. The renowned Kaigyokusai Masatsugu was one of his students. This netsuke is perfectly rounded and shows a cohesive composition. The stem of the kaki fruit forms the natural himotoshi. A small bird with spread wings is perched on the smooth exterior of the fruit and is pecking at it with its beak. The signature MITSUHIRO is carved intricately within a wavy reserve.HEIGHT 2.25 CM, DIAMETER 3.5 CMCondition: Excellent conditionProvenance: Viennese private collection