A RARE EBONY NETSUKE OF A BATUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved in the manner of Horaku to depict a resting bat, hanging by the tips of its wings, which are drawn in to form a compact composition as well as a narrow base on which the netsuke stands. The bat’s body is covered with fine hairwork and its beady eyes are inlaid with dark horn, one side with the asymmetrical himotoshi, the larger of which is generously excavated to accommodate the knot.LENGTH 5.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related ebony wood netsuke of a bat with its wing placed in a peculiar position, by Horaku, ex-collection Raymond Bushell, at Sotheby’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 9 June 2004, London, lot 1144 (estimate 5,000-6,000 GBP).