λ THREE JAPANESE NETSUKE OF RATS MEIJI PERIOD

λ THREE JAPANESE NETSUKE OF RATS

MEIJI PERIOD, 19TH CENTURY

Two in ivory, the first depicted on a large straw hat, realistically carved and with its eyes inlaid, signed Masanao in an oblong reserve underneath; the other resting its paws on a rolled-up scroll, with its head raised and the eyes also inlaid; the third in stag antler and carved as two rodents on a large awabi shell, seemingly holding paws, 4.7cm max. (3)

Provenance: from the collection of a lady of title, and thence by descent.