81 - Ɏ MASATOMO: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH TRUMPET

Ɏ MASATOMO: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH TRUMPET By Masatomo, signed Masatomo 正友 Japan, Osaka, first half of the 19 th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved as a Dutchman standing with his head cocked sharply to one side in a wonderfully quizzical manner, unusually depicted without the characteristic European hat. One hand rests on his hip while the other grasps a long Chinese-style trumpet. His exaggerated features are framed by thick curling locks, the eyes inlaid with dark horn pupils. The elaborate garments are finely engraved with stylized floral sprays, dense linear decoration, and geometric borders. Large asymmetrical himotoshi to the back, the larger generously excavated to accommodate the knot, and signed MASATOMO within a wavy reserve. HEIGHT 6.6 cm Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear. Masatomo was a pupil of Hidemasa, and the present netsuke displays the lively characterization and humor associated with Osaka-school carving. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number IT/CE/2024/MI/00311). 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.