A very fine model of a little rat (nezumi) on top of a large desiccated fish by the rare Osaka school artist Anraku. The fish is cut near the head, and the septums and vertebrae are visible on the side. The staining and finish of the carving are very fine, as is usual for Anraku and Osaka-school netsuke. The scales are neatly incised, and surface of the head is arduously stippled. The fish has a its mouth slightly opened, with visible rows of teeth and the eyes are inlaid with dark horn. A charming and smooth little rat, with tiny eyes inlaid in black horn, is seated on top of the fish and is looking backwards – perhaps somebody else has noticed its delicious meal. Himotoshi on the underside and signature in a rounded double reserve reading ANRAKU.

Category:

Netsuke

Subcategory:

-

Subject:

Animal

Material:

Ivory

Age/Country:

19th Century

Artist:

Anraku

Provenance/Owner:

Galerie Zacke

Signed:

signed

Type:

Katabori

Height:

mm

Width:

60mm mm

Depth:

mm

ID number: