AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A COILED SNAKE SIGNED MAS... Lot n° 17

Ivory netsuke Japan 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The snake is the twelfth animal in the zodiac and is also called hebi. In this present netsuke the thick serpentine body is well executed, especially the scales are all meticulously carved, arranged in hundreds of hexagons. Its expression is powerful, as the snake fixes its gaze on something, most likely some sort of prey, as it sticks out its tongue greedily. Natural himotoshi on the underside, formed by the end of the tail and signature in an oval reserve MASANAO. HEIGHT 3.2 CM Condition: Very good condition Provenance: Collection of Sam Felton with CITES permit no. 18US59513C/9. Purchased from Betty Killam (Mrs. Netsuke) on 9th September 1978 (old invoice available).