SHOUNSAI JORYU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF AN EGG TESTER By Shounsai Joryu (active 1800-1840), signed Joryu 如柳 Japan, Edo (Tokyo), first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A spirited and finely carved rendition of an egg tester, his back arched and face amusingly distorted as he concentrates on inspecting the egg which he holds before his left eye, a basket of further eggs is strapped to his shoulder. The man, who appears like an islander with long curling hair, is dressed only in a loincloth, but is wearing boots - an unusual combination, but an attribute all the egg testers seem to share. Signed to the back JORYU next to the angled, asymmetrical himotoshi. HEIGHT 5.5 cm Condition: Good condition with old wear and few light scratches, one foot with a small nick. Fine, dark patina. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related netsuke at Sotheby's, Japanese Works of Art from the Collection of the Late Charles A. Greenfield, Part II, 18 September 1998, New York, lot 77.