Ɏ A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SNAIL ON LARGE MUSHROOM

Ɏ A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SNAIL ON LARGE MUSHROOM Unsigned Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) An old, pleasingly tactile, and finely stained ivory netsuke depicting a naturalistically carved snail slithering across the radial gills of a large mushroom with a thick stem in the center, the underside of the stem and the foot of the snail bearing a finely stippled surface. The reverse showing the mushroom’s cap and well-hollowed himotoshi. HEIGHT 5.8 cm Condition: Very good condition, few expected age cracks. Beautiful, deep patina. Provenance: French private collection. Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 20. German private collection, acquired from the above. This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.