AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A DEERIvory netsuke. Japan, 19th centuryThe deer, or shika in Japanese, is somewhat venerated in Japan and is also called kami no tsukai, or ‘messenger of the gods’. It is the companion of Jurojin, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, and sometimes also accompanies Fukurokuju and the fairy Seiobo. The deer is the only animal that can find the immortality mushroom reishi. This netsuke depicts the shika in a very lively manner, with slender legs and a dynamic fur pattern. Dark inlaid eyes. Oval base, flat on the underside. Condition: Very good condition Provenance: From an English private collectionHEIGHT 3.2 CM, WIDTH 3.3 CMThis lot is subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora [CITES]. It may only be exported outside the European Union after an export permit in accordance with CITES has been granted by the Austrian authorities. Zacke Gallery cannot and does not guarantee that such export permit may or will be obtained, but will by order of the winning bidder, once and exclusively after the item in question has been paid in full, apply to obtain such a permit at a fixed administrative fee of €100,- per application (fee valid for 'Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono' auction only). This process usually takes 6 months, and most permits we have applied for, have been granted in the past. Our team is happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding this process