HOGYOKU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF FUKUROKUJU By Hogyoku, signed Hogyoku 法玉 Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The lucky god leaning forwards almost completely enveloped in his robe, only the large pendulous earlobes and the meticulously detailed face visible. He is holding a stained bone scroll between his folded arms whilst laughing heartily. His robe is finely incised with cloud decorations, the wood is attractively stained. Typically small, but generously excavated himotoshi to the reverse above the signature HOGYOKU - a pupil of Meikeisai Hojitsu - neatly incised on an inlaid shell tablet. HEIGHT 4 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: German private collection. Auction comparison: A similar netsuke (note the shell-inlaid tablet, carving style, and himotoshi) by Meikeisai Hojitsu was sold by Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 98 (sold for 5,056 EUR).