A LARGE AND OLD DARK WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT BOAR Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) An old and remarkably rustic kurogaki (black persimmon) wood netsuke of a recumbent boar (inoshishi) with a curiously upturned snout. The ears are laid back, and the legs are neatly tucked underneath the body, thus adhering to ideal netsuke shape. The surface is visibly worn from use, only little of the hairwork remains, the surface is smooth to the touch and the netsuke is a tactile pleasure in the hand. The large eyes are inlaid in mother-of-pearl and the tusks are of lustrously polished bone. The underside shows the pleasingly deep and large himotoshi. LENGTH 7.4 cm Condition: Good condition with age-related wear, including some age cracks, surface scratches, and tiny nicks. Provenance: French private collection.