By Shungetsu, signed Shungetsu Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)
A well-carved, finely stained and compact ivory netsuke of a tanuki suffocating a hunter with his gigantic scrotum. Tanuki are known to have magical powers and are mischievous creatures. Though not always dangerous, they are especially hostile to hunters, as they beguile them by drumming on their bellies, subsequently crushing them with their enlarged testicles. The tanuki has well-carved fur and a smoothly polished scrotum with sparsely incised hair. The hunter is quite helpless and squirming in agony. Small himotoshi and signature SHUNGETSU 春月 on the underside.
HEIGHT 3.3 cm, LENGTH 4 cm
Condition: Very good condition. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.