λ FIVE JAPANESE IVORY NETSUKE OF ANIMALS

λ FIVE JAPANESE IVORY NETSUKE OF ANIMALS

MEIJI PERIOD, 19TH CENTURY

one carved as many rats on a lion mask, signed 'Gyokko' and with a paper collection label for 'G1514'; another two kappa on a lotus leaf with a namazu catfish hiding underneath, labelled 'G 1302'; the third depicting the sparrow Suzume covering a sleeping man with a blanket, signed; the fourth a fox disguised as a drunk man, with a movable tongue, and the last in marine ivory depicting the Moon Rabbit pounding rice cakes (5)

6.3cm (max)

Provenance

Formerly the collection of Sir Sydney Richard Wells, 1st Baronet, D.L., M.P. for Bedford (1879-1957) of Felmersham Grange, Bedfordshire, and thence by descent.