Unsigned Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Expressively carved and depicting a standing fisherman, wearing only a loincloth, his muscular arms, spine, and rib cage rendered powerfully. The bearded fisherman has long curling hair and holds a large fish and a hyotan (double gourd) in his hands – an unusual combination. The netsuke is carved from hinoki (cypress) wood, and is colored in polychrome pigments and gesso, largely worn through centuries of handling. Good himotoshi through the back.
HEIGHT 9.2 cm
Condition: Good condition with age-related wear. Provenance: Ancient collection Albert Brockhaus (1855 - 1921), Leipzig, acquired at J. C. F. Schwartze, Berlin, 16th December 1905.