HOSHUNSAI MASAYUKI: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A FOREIGNER RIDING AN ELEPHANT By Hoshunsai Masayuki, signed Masayuki 正之 Japan, Asakusa, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Finely carved as a small bearded figure wearing a large hat and holding a small sack in both hands, seated atop a large caparisoned elephant with bone-inlaid tusks and neatly detailed features. Several natural himotoshi between the elephant's legs. The underside signed within an oblong reserve MASAYUKI. HEIGHT 4.3 cm Condition: Good condition, appealingly worn, a small chip to one of the tusks, few natural age cracks. Fine, dark patina. Provenance: Old French collection Jules Cherki. This appears to be a unique model of Masayuki, with no other examples recorded.