MASAKAZU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED SNAKE

MASAKAZU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED SNAKE By Masakazu, signed Masakazu 正一 Japan, Gifu or Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved, the compact snake coiling around itself with finely incised, grooved scales, its head resting on top of its tail. Its gaze fixed in front, the eyes double inlaid in pale and dark horn, its forked tongue extended. Natural himotoshi. Signed to the base within an oval reserve MASAKAZU. LENGTH 4.4 cm Condition: Very good condition with only minor wear. The snake (hebi or mi), the sixth sign of the zodiac, is assigned to the 4th month and the hours between 9am and 11am. In popular belief, a living snake is considered a good omen, while a dead snake announces misfortune. In Buddhism the snake is a symbol of sensuality, jealousy and hatred. In netsuke art it is also often depicted because of the elegant curves of its body and the creative possibilities. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a coiled snake with double-inlaid eyes, signed Masakazu, illustrated in Willhelm, Gabor (2000) On the Continent, INSJ, vol. 20/4, p. 28, no. 258. Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a snake, signed Masakazu, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 422.