19th Century Japanese Boxwood Netsuke:  Tanuki Badger, Signed MASANAO, Yamada, Ise 19th Century,  excellently hand-carved boxwood netsuke depicting a seated Tanuki, or Japanese Badger (raccoon dog) raising his right paw in order to beat his belly, or distended scrotum as it if were a drum.  Outstanding hair work, a distinguishing characteristic of this netsuke master.  Wonderful natural himotoshi that is formed by the bending tail of the Tanuki over its right hind leg.  Signed Masanao, Yamada, of Ise province, on a polished oval reserve, on the bottom of the piece. According to Japanese legend, a Tanuki is a real animal with supernatural powers, as are the fox or a cat.  He is a mischievo animal that es many disguises to deceive or annoy passers-by.