A MASTERFUL CONTEMPORARY COLORED WOOD NETSUKE OF A ROTTING LEAF AND SPIDER BY GUY SHAW (1951-2003)By Guy Shaw, colored wood netsukeEngland, 20th centuryThis charming work shows a curled-up leaf- an autumn scene - a masterfully carved netsuke from the wood of the Australian gum tree. The netsuke represents life and death, as the leaf has fallen to the ground, slowly drying and disintegrating, however for the moment offering refuge to a little spider who has crawled up into the central opening. The artist was able to create a naturalistic effect while also reflecting a part of himself, the curled-up leaf representing introspection. The weight of the leaf shows how well it has been hollowed out. Very fine grain patterns. 'Natural himotoshi' through the stem where also the initials "GS" can be found.LENGTH 6.5 CMCondition: Excellent conditionProvenance: Acquired from the artist himself