Japan Wood Wood netsuke depicting a child lying down, signed Masakazu. - 4.3 cm

Rare wooden netsuke representing a lying child — Signed Masakazu — Japan, 19th century Charming and unusual Japanese netsuke in carved wood, depicting a naked, chubby child lying on the stomach, head slightly raised and legs folded up. This particularly expressive composition testifies to the humor and ingenuity of the Japanese netsuke carvers of the 19th century. The figure features a round face with generously chubby cheeks, delicately incised eyes, and a carefully modeled anatomy. The arms, hands, and feet are carved with special attention to detail. The wood offers a beautiful reddish-brown patina, enhanced by darker tones in the hollows, which accentuate the sculpture’s volumes. The piece bears an incised signature Masakazu (正一) on the thigh. Several sculptors used this name, so attribution to a specific artist should remain open. An original composition Traditionally presented in a lying position, this netsuke also offers an interesting second reading when observed vertically, with the head directed downward and the legs raised. This arrangement recalls certain depictions of karako performing a balance on their forearms, notably those illustrated by Florian Langegger in Netsuke in Comparison, pp. 112–113. This is an iconographic comparison offered for comparative purposes, and not a certain identification of the posture intended by the sculptor. This double reading adds to the composition’s interest and illustrates the ingenuity of netsuke, designed to be appreciated from different angles. Provenance Former British private collection. Belgian private collection since 2018. Condition Good overall condition, with a beautiful patina and signs of wear compatible with the object's age. One foot has been previously repaired, documented restoration. No other known restoration work. Dimensions: 4.3 × 3 × 2.3 cm. Weight: 6.2 g. Bibliographic reference: Florian Langegger, Netsuke in Comparison: Motifs and Their Variations, Arnoldsche, 2018, pp. 112–113, for the iconographic association. Video Link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/z3hby5a0g1pumd7ql39lb/AEw9u88DkzUMAJjEpSlWR_4?rlkey=xtb83f2wvfpwjkmfh6sc2uaei&dl=0

Estimate:$3,710.99

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