LEIGH SLOGGETT: DEEP SEA STRUGGLE By Leigh Sloggett (b.1960), signed with artist's initials 'LS' on the wood box Naturalistically carved from boxwood as an octopus (tako) clinging on a nearly closed shell, the octopus' tentacles are carved with fine detail, five of them curling inside the shell. The texture of the octopus' skin is very well achieved. One eye is closed and the other open with its pupil inlaid in dark horn. The underside reveals a tiny sea snail and the artist initials, the many natural himotoshi are to be found through the tentacles. With the original wood storage box, which shows the artist's signature and title of the work. HEIGHT 3.4 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt, purchased in 1997. Leigh Sloggett (b.1960) is an Australian contemporary netsuke carver who combines the traditional and functional attributes of the netsuke with innovative ideas, forms and concepts which come from his personal experiences. Mr. Sloggett studied fine arts, majoring in painting and sculpture. In a moving interview, written by Jeffrey Klotz and Phyllis Lieberman in the INS Journal Volume 23, Leigh states: “I see it (netsuke) as the ultimate sculptural art form because it is carved in the round”. Auction comparison: A related wood netsuke by contemporary artist Michael Webb of similar pedigree was sold at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 165 (sold for 16,250 GBP).