Ivory netsuke of Fukura Suzume

Ivory netsuke of Fukura Suzume

Derived from the model by Masanao of Kyoto, carved from a good piece of ivory from the tip of a tusk, the nerve channel visible at the base of the neck and close to the larger himotoshi, the Shreger lines giving the impression of downy feathers.  The feathers of the tail and wings are inked, the feet are carved in relief, the startled eyes are large inlays of dark horn, and together with the beak give a fair impression of the poor bird’s plight

Added signature of Masanao.  Circa 1820-50

4.9 cm across

Light age cracks

Provenance: 

Rolf Schmoll, Hamburg

MR1645