210 - RAKUMIN: A FINE WOOD SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A BATHING LADY

RAKUMIN: A FINE WOOD SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A BATHING LADY By Ho Rakumin (1804-1877), signed Rakumin 樂民 Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The bathing lady kneeling beside a small wooden bath bucket, her ample figure shown with a towel loosely wrapped around her waist and tied at the front, leaving her upper body bare. She raises a small washcloth to her chin with one hand, while the other rests upon the rim of the bucket. Her head is tilted upward with a broad, animated smile, the open mouth revealing neatly carved teeth with remnants of red pigment, while her hair is finely arranged and secured with a comb. Good himotoshi to the underside and back. Signed RAKUMIN within a green-stained reserve, cleverly positioned to conceal her private parts. HEIGHT 4.2 cm Provenance: Ex-collection Betty Jahss. Sotheby’s, The Betty Jahss Collection of Netsuke Part II, 14 November 1991, London, lot 21. Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Ho Rakumin (1804-1877) was born in Tsuchiura in Hitachi Province (now Ibaraki Prefecture). He received the honorary title Hogen and was, together with Hojitsu, one of the best netsuke carvers in Edo (Tokyo).