Netsuke of a tanuki and hunter. Wood. Ise-Yamada. 2nd half 19th century. Signed: Masakazu The hunter is held to the ground by the huge scrotum of a tanuki, under which he looks out with his face contorted in pain. The underside is carefully carved and shows his camouflage cap and how he holds his rifle. Decorative metal button on the butt of the rifle. Chip, front leg of the tanuki rest. H 2.8 cm; W 3.5 cm Provenance Private collection, Southern Germany

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