A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A FROG WITH GOURD BY RENSAI... Lot n° 101

Ivory netsuke Japan, Asakusa late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) The ivory stained and of a beautiful colour. Depicted is a small frog perched on a large decaying leaf, with a lotus bulb and a large double gourd. The ivory bears a very good finish and the large, irregular and well-hollowed out himotoshi are found on the back, next to the signature in seal form REN (Rensai). The composition has a truly serene effect. HEIGHT 4.1 CM Condition: One age crack by the himotoshi and a tiny hairline by stem that attaches the gourd to the leaf. Generally, in very good condition Provenance: Collection of Sam Felton with CITES permit no. 18US59513C/9, purchased from Kurstin/Chappell on May 21st 1982 Literature: Compare to a strikingly similar netsuke by Rensai II In ‘A Comprehensive Study Based on the M.T Hindson Collection, Neil K. Davey, London, 1982, no. 539.