AN UNUSUAL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SWIMMING NINGYO (MERMAID) Unsigned Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Boldly carved and heavily stylized, this ningyo is almost entirely fishlike, apart from the human face with intense expression and neatly incised hair, with well-detailed scales and fins. The reverse with two large himotoshi. LENGTH 8.2 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and few minuscule nicks, possibly an old worn-down chip to the edge of the tail fin. Fine, dark patina. Provenance: European collection. Literature comparison: Compare a related dark wood netsuke of a swimming ningyo, formerly in the collection of Raymond Bushell and now in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number M.91.250.110.