MASANAO: A SMALL WOOD NETSUKE OF A BEAN VENDORBy Miyake Masanao II (1848-1922), signed Masanao 正直Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, late 19th centuryA finely carved wood netsuke of relatively small stature, possibly intended for a child, depicting a traveling salesman carrying a closed umbrella in one hand and a box around his neck which is inscribed omame (‘beans’) on the front. The folds of his robe and headscarf are well-carved and skillfully stained. Perhaps it has just stopped raining, explaining not only the closed umbrella but also his long robe being tucked into his belt at the back, to avoid it getting wet and dirty. Two subtly placed himotoshi to the back and underside.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few light surface scratches.Provenance: Galerie Yamato, Paris, 2005. French private collection, acquired from the above.Legumes such as beans (mame) and peas (endo) symbolize female fertility in East Asia. The fruits that appear in the swelling of the pod are considered to be the unborn child in the womb. Mame, written with different characters, also means health and efficiency. Bean netsuke were therefore worn as a talisman.