A classic model from the carver Masamitsu who became famous for his compact studies of animal groups. This ivory netsuke depicts roughly thirty rats bunched together on top of an awabi (abalone) shell, clambering on top of each other or fighting. All of their eyes are inlaid in dark horn and the surface is beautifully stained. The underside is beautifully carved as well, with the surface of the awabi and the characteristic rows of circular openings achieved naturalistically. There are more rats on the underside as well, one even lurks in one of the himotoshi, biting at the tail of another rat which is scurrying away to join the pack at the top. Signature MASAMITSU in a rounded reserve.

Category:

Netsuke

Subcategory:

-

Subject:

Animal

Material:

Ivory

Age/Country:

19th Century

Artist:

Masamitsu

Provenance/Owner:

Galerie Zacke

Signed:

signed

Type:

Katabori

Height:

mm

Width:

53mm mm

Depth:

mm

ID number: