MASANAO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO MONKEYSBy a member of the Masanao family, signed Masanao 正直Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, c. 1830-1840, Edo period (1615-1868)A beautifully compact and ideally rounded composition, carved with vigor and imbued with movement, depicting a male monkey biting into a fruit and grabbing his young by one leg as it clambers up the thigh of its parent. The details are exquisitely carved – note the superbly crafted expressions, neatly incised fur, and well-carved hands, feet and ears. Signed within a polished reserve MASANAO. Natural himotoshi.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear to exposed areas.