AN AMUSING WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY HOLDING DOWN A FROG
Unsigned
Japan, Gifu, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

A comical wood netsuke of a monkey holding down a frog. The monkey is visibly amused, its inlaid eyes and mouth opened wide and tongue sticking out with great excitement. The fur is well-carved with an unusually rough, though very appealing texture. The monkey is grabbing the frog with both of its hands and places one foot on the poor amphibian; the other one is angled under his body. On the contrary, the frog is considerably less amused as the monkey puts its weight on it, effectively flattening the frog - its visible inlaid eye looks to almost pop out of its head. The struggling frog reaches with its left front limb between the monkey's arm and leg, trying to release the pressure; its fingertips are visible underneath the monkey's arm. The underside reveals the characteristic features of a frog, as the webbed hind and front feet are visible. This netsuke is attributable to the school of Tomokazu of Gifu. Natural himotoshi.

HEIGHT 3.9 cm

Condition: Very good condition. Natural imperfection in the wood -plugged near the head of the monkey.
Provenance: Sotheby's, Art D'Asie, 18 December 2012, Paris, lot 260. Afterwards, The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.