TOMOMASA: AN AMUSING WOOD NETSUKE OF A TANUKI WITH GIANT SCROTUM
By Tomomasa, signed Tomomasa
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The tanuki is a magical shapeshifting creature which resembles a raccoon dog. Here he is shown with distinct human features, such as his human arms and legs and the loincloth and headband he is wearing. The tanuki is struggling to hold up his gigantic wrinkly scrotum, which is pressed onto his face. According to legend, this creature utilized its distended scrotum to suffocate hunters, as seen in catalog no. 57. The wood of a very good tone with a fine natural patina and the eyes of the tanuki are inlaid in dark horn. Good himotoshi through the tanuki's behind and abbreviated signature on the side of the loincloth TOMOMASA 友正.

HEIGHT 5.2 cm

Condition: Very good condition with appealing patina
Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.