Wood Netsuke of a Contortionist

Wood Netsuke of a Contortionist

Naked but for a fundoshi, he has his left foot lodged behind his neck, grasped by his right hand, and grimaces with the effort
Unsigned. Edo. Circa 1850
Height: 3.8 cm

Coincidentally, this is the second variant of this rare subject which we have had in recent times, the other signed with a kaō which we were unable to identify. There are sufficient variations of carving style to suggest a different hand

Provenance: W.L. Behrens collection (no. 4933 in the Joly catalogue, illustrated on pl. LXVII). We believe it may have been lot 194 in the Behrens sale

MR3807