Project Description
Cherry Wood Netsuke of Two Rats by Ikkan
The two rats huddled close together, one curled into a ball in order to lick a hind leg. The eyes of both are inlays of dark buffalo horn, and the incisors of the recumbent rat are ivory or bone
Signed. Nagoya. Circa 1850
4.2 cm across
Neil Davey’s catalogue note states: “Ikkan produced several examples of the subjet, of which this is one of the finest recorded“
Literature:
G. Wilhelm’s report of the Katchen sale in Bulletin Association Franco-Japonaise, No. 89 (online edition only)
Arlette Katchen, Netsuke 7, vol. 2, pp. 27-28, n° K277, illustrated
Provenance:
Julius and Arlette Katchen collection, sold at their first sale, Sotheby’s London, 8th November 2005, lot 104
MR3972
