Beschreibung:

Lot details Unsigned Japan, c. 1790, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Sydney L. Moss (2010) they are all fire and every one doth shine. The Elly Nordskog Collection of Japanese Inro, Pipecases and Netsuke, London, pp. 408-409, no. 143. Superbly carved in a spirited and animated manner that is uncommon for the sankaku-type netsuke, possessing a good depth and plasticity, depicting a merchant or peddler turning in mid-step as he walks, his left hand obscured by his loose-fitting robe with neatly incised folds, holding a bunch of dried fruits with his right, carrying a straw bundle with a flowering prunus branch attached over his shoulder, his finely rendered face with a cheerful expression marked by a wide smile and upturned eyes, one himotoshi to the back, the other ingeniously carved through the robe beside the man’s crossed legs. HEIGHT 7.1 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, traces of use, expected age cracks. Fine, cream-colored patina to the back. Provenance: Ex-collection Elinor “Elly” Nordskog (1919-2013). This charming depiction, full of action and character, is one which derives from a fairly prolific and so far anonymous artist – or more likely workshop – in the late eighteenth century. The milky-white ivory and the concern with surface and line indicate they were based in or close to Osaka, and their figures are of medium rather than outsize scale and always smile. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.