Unsigned Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
An amusing wood netsuke of a very muscular fisherman, dressed only in a loincloth and wearing a headband, lifting a huge fugu, tied to a rope, over his shoulder. The fugu has a bloated body with large inlaid eyes of dark horn. The man too has inlaid eyes. Himotoshi on either side of the fugu. The wood of a very appealing color with a fine stain and hand patina.
HEIGHT 6.9 cm
Condition: Very good condition, one inlaid eye of the man is lost. Provenance: British collection.