† MASAYASU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT GOATBy Masayasu, signed Masayasu 正保 to 刀Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Very finely carved, the goat’s head nobly raised, with elegantly curved horns, long sweeping tail, and ridged spine. The feet are kept close to the body or tucked underneath, forming a compact composition. The shaggy fur is sublimely carved, with subtle elevations between the individual hair strands. The dark-red cherry wood bears a fine patina. Natural himotoshi and signed within a polished area on the haunch MASAYASU to [carved by Masayasu].LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, only very minor wear. Small repair to one ear. Fine patina.Provenance: A noted private collection, USA.Literature comparison:Compare a near-identical wood netsuke of a goat by Masatoshi in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (1993) Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins, no. 57.Auction comparison:Compare to a near-identical wood netsuke of a goat by Masatoshi at Lempertz, Asian Art, 11 June 2022, Cologne, lot 407 (sold for 7,560 EUR). This is the same netsuke mentioned in the literature comparison.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer’s premium – only for buyers within the EU.