One netsuke carved as a skeleton standing with the knees slightly bent, both hands around a sotoba (grave marker) with a snake coiled around, carrying a gravestone and scrolls on his back, a small monkey behind the skeleton holding up a tea bowl with a leaf inside. Another netsuke carved as a monkey supporting itself on a cane and carrying a large skull on its back. The third netsuke carved as two monkeys, one carrying a skull on its back and the smaller monkey with a large toad, a young boy beside them carrying a hoe and a teapot.
HEIGHT 12.7 cm
Condition: Good condition with minor traces of wear, one hairline crack to the side of the gravestone, the feet of the smaller monkey are chipped. Provenance: British collection.