AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RABBIT WITH LOQUAT BY I... Lot n° 13

Ivory netsuke Japan, Nagoya 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A fine work from this master from Nagoya. The rabbit is the fourth animal in the zodiac and is also known as usagi. The small animal is bent over a fruit, presumably a loquat, and is taking a bite. The ivory has been stained deeper in some areas to show the piebald fur coat. The rabbit is accomplished sensitively, especially the tiny eyes which are inlaid with amber. Signature IKKO (Ichi-ko) under the branch of the loquat, which forms the natural himotoshi. HEIGHT 2.8 CM, LENGTH 3.6 CM Condition: One crack on the underside, one inlaid eye is missing. Good condition. Provenance: German private collection