† MASASHIGE: A YAMADA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED RATBy Masashige, signed Masashige 正重Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, mid to late 19th centuryA finely carved wood netsuke of a rat (nezumi) tightly coiled into a ball. A genius design when considering the functionality as a netsuke. This model is believed to originate from the Masanao family of Ise-Yamada and was executed in different variations and sizes across members of the school/family. The details are meticulously rendered, and the large beady eyes are inlaid in dark, lustrous horn. Natural himotoshi through one of the legs and signed within a polished reserve in sosho (cursive script) MASASHIGE – a pupil from the Masanao lineage.HEIGHT 3.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition. Minor wear.Provenance: A noted private collection, USA, purchased from Norman L. Sandfield.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer’s premium – only for buyers within the EU.