KEIGYOKU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL ON DRIFTWOOD By Keigyoku, signed Keigyoku 桂玉 Japan, Edo (Tokyo), first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) An irresistibly charming, large, and rustic, yet finely carved wood netsuke depicting a snail crawling across a piece of driftwood. The snail has a simple spiraling shell, the surface smoothly polished, and a body with neatly incised lines. All four of its tentacles are extended. The driftwood is carved with extraordinary detail, appearing true to life, carved with alternating ridges and polished areas. Large himotoshi underneath, the larger hole with an excavated area beside it to accommodate the knot. Signed with boldly carved characters KEIGYOKU - this rare artist was a teacher of Jugyoku, also sharing the kanji Kei 桂 with Ryukei 隆桂. LENGTH 5 cm Condition: Very good condition, fine patina. Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt. Purchased from Barry Davies, London, in 2002. Literature comparison: A similar netsuke by Keigyoku is illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 319.