NIKITA STRUKOV: A FINE CONTEMPORARY WOOD NETSUKE OF KIKAZARU By the Russian contemporary artist Nikita Strukov, signed with the artist's mark Finely carved after the famous model of Kikazaru, the hear no evil monkey from the Sambiki Saru, by the Tanba school artist Nanboku. Note the finely carved fur with simulated wear, and the masterfully carved paws. The glaring eyes are double inlays of pale and dark horn. Natural himotoshi. Signed in ukibori characters with the artist's kanji characters. HEIGHT 3.5 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Auction comparison: For the work that inspired this piece see a monkey by Nanboku, sold at Bonhams, The Julius & Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part I, 8 November 2016, London, lot 100 (sold for 5,000 GBP).