Unsigned Japan, 19th century to Meiji period (1868-1912)
The exterior carved and neatly incised as Hotei’s treasure sack, opening to reveal the Laughing Buddha and a karako seated at a table playing sugoroku. Ivory-ringed himotoshi to the underside.
HEIGHT 3 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased at Christie’s Amsterdam, 28 September 2000.
Auction comparison: For a similar netsuke with Hotei and Fukurokuju playing go, see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 9 November 2017, London, lot 2 (sold for 1,500 GBP).