A WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO SNAILS Inscribed Donmin (Tonmin) 呑眠 Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Carved from dark reddish wood as a snail emerging from its shell and slowly moving towards a young snail which crawls across on top of the finely carved, spiraling shell. An attractive, compact composition. Inscribed Donmin which literally means "to drink (sake) and sleep". Good himotoshi underneath, the larger hole slightly excavated to accommodate the knot. The wood bearing a beautiful, dark patina. LENGTH 3.8 cm Condition: Very good condition with associated old surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt. Purchased from Marsha Vargas.