A STAINED AND COLOURED IVORY NETSUKE OF A SPARROW BY SHINGETSU (MURAMATSU FUJIO, 1934-1951)
Ivory netsuke with coloursJapan20th centuryThe sparrow (suzume) is an emblem of gracefulness and charm and is a popular motif in netsuke art. It is especially known for the legend of the tongue cut sparrow (shita-kiri suzume) - a tale of avarice, friendship and jealousy. This netsuke is coloured for effect and the eyes are inlaid and coloured. Himotoshi on the underside next to the signature SHINGETSU.LENGTH 5 CMCondition: Excellent conditionProvenance: Austrian private collectionAuction comparison: For another netsuke of sparrow by the artist, see Bonhams, Asian Art, European Ceramics and Glass, Edinburgh, 24 March 2011, lot 527.