232 - A NETSUKE OF A FOX PRIEST

A NETSUKE OF A FOX PRIEST Japan, late 18th/early 19th century. H 6.2 cm. Ivory, carved as a standing fox dressed as a monk in a long-sleeved robe, leaning on a tall pilgrim’s staff. Good himotoshi on the back, with a beautiful patina of age. Provenance: - Dr. Ernst Hauswedell, Hamburg, June 5, 1964, auction 131, lot 287, illustrated. - Collection of Count Peter Christian von Kleist-Retzow (1910–1966). - Thence by descent to the mother of the current owner, 1966. - Private collection, Switzerland. Accompanied by a negative strip from January 1967. A CITES license is required for the export of this item. Prospective buyers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. For further information, please contact the department.