Japanese Works of Art - 12th November 2024
Lot 392
A JAPANESE WOOD NETSUKE OF A WISE MONKEY, CIRCLE OF NAITO TOYOMASA (1773-1856)
Estimate £2,000 - £4,000 | Hammer £2268
Inc. Buyers Premium
Description
A JAPANESE WOOD NETSUKE OF A WISE MONKEY, CIRCLE OF NAITO TOYOMASA (1773-1856)
EDO PERIOD, 19TH CENTURY
Tamba School, looking rather rotund as it is depicted seated on its haunches covering its ears; its hair finely incised and with the eyes inlaid in light horn, the pupils painted in black ink; inscribed Toyomasa on the back of its leg, 3.1cm.
The Sanbiki no Saru (Three Wise Monkeys) are a highly popular subject in Japanese Art, with the 'hear no evil' monkey usually identified as Kikazaru.
See Bonhams, New York, Netsuke from the Collection of Joseph and Elena Kurstin, 16 December 2022, lot 43 for another Wise Monkey signed Toyomasa.