**SOLD** Wood Netsuke of Two Rats Head to Tail by Ikkan

Wood Netsuke of Two Rats Head to Tail by Ikkan

Apparently a male and female huddling close, the former holding a small chestnut with its front paws, its incisors of ivory or bone. The eyes of both are inlays of dark buffalo horn. Natural himotoshi

Signed. Nagoya. Circa 1850

Length: 4.4 cm

Literature:

G. Wilhelm’s review of the sale, Bulletin Association Franco-Japonaise, n° 97 (online edition only), described as being signed Issan and illustrated

D. Wright’s in International Nestuke Society Journal, 28/3, p. 47, described and illustrated

Provenance:

English post-war collection

Sale, Christie’s London, 14th May 2008, lot 134, bought by Max Rutherston for the present owner

MR3995