MINKO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A CHESTNUT WITH A MOVEABLE MAGGOT

MINKO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A CHESTNUT WITH A MOVEABLE MAGGOT By Tanaka Juntoku Minko (1735-1816), signed Minko 岷江 and kakihan Japan, Tsu, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Boldly carved as a chestnut, attractively stained and bearing a good polish, the natural knots to the wood used to great effect and adding to the naturalistic beauty of the netsuke, one side inlaid with a moveable bone maggot detailed with stained eyes. Generously excavated himotoshi to the superbly carved underside and signed in a polished reserve MINKO with the artist’s characteristic kakihan. LENGTH 4.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and tiny scratches. Tanaka Juntoko Minko (1735-1816) was one of the few names mentioned in the Soken Kisho of 1781, the first publication mentioning netsuke. He was famous during his lifetime and is widely regarded as one of the greatest netsuke carvers. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a chestnut with a moveable ivory maggot, by Minko, illustrated by Harris, Victor (1987) The Hull Grundy Collection in the British Museum, p. 99, no. 492.