MASANAO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY EATING A PERSIMMONBy a member of the Masanao family, signed Masanao 正直Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The monkey (saru) seated in a relaxed pose, one knee slightly raised and one hand resting on its other knee, folded underneath, the right hand raised and holding a half-eaten persimmon to its mouth, as the simian takes a large bite. The teeth and eyes are inlaid. Note the precisely incised fur and remarkably well-carved hands and feet. Signed within a polished reserve MASANAO. Natural himotoshi.HEIGHT 4.1 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a monkey eating a fruit, also with inlaid teeth and signed Masanao, sold at Bonhams, The Julius & Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 109 (sold for 2,750 GBP).