A RARE AND FINE NETSUKE OF AN OWL ON A BRANCH BY MASAYUKIBy Masayuki, wood netsukeJapan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)A charming wood netsuke of an owl perched on a branch and looking upwards. The plumage and the gnarly structure of the branch are carved precisely and naturalistically. The large eyes are inlaid in pale translucent horn with black pupils. Owl netsuke are quite rare. Interestingly, owls are an emblem of ingratitude, as they are believed to be capable of devouring their own mother. The carving very much in the style of Itsumin and the himotoshi are found on the underside of the branch. Signed MASAYUKI.HEIGHT 4 CMCondition: Excellent conditionProvenance: German private collectionAuction comparison: For a similar netsuke in the style of Itsumin see Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art, New York, 15 March 2017, lot 6178.