A RARE AND FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO OWLS BY SOSHINBy Soshin, wood netsukeJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A wood netsuke of two owls perched on a branch. The plumage of the birds are carved extraordinarily well, and their expressions are quite amusing, with double-inlaid large and staring eyes. Both owls are slightly leaned towards each other- they are male and female, as males are known to be larger. Interestingly, owls are an emblem of ingratitude, as they are believed to be capable of devouring their own mother. Natural himotoshi through the branch. Owl netsuke are quite rare, and models are known by Mitsuhiro, Itsumin and Ikkyu, this carving is very much in the style of the latter. This netsuke is signed SOSHIN, a very rare artist.HEIGHT 5 CMCondition: Very good conditionProvenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London GentlemanAuction comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke by Ikkyu sold at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part I, London, 8 November 2016, lot 145.Literature comparison: A comparable netsuke of a parrot is illustrated in 'Netsuke & Inro Artists and how to read their signatures' by George Lazarnick, 1981, page 1037.