† KOKEI: A FINE AND RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A HAREBy Kokei, signed Kokei 虎溪Japan, Kuwana, Ise Province, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An attractively compact and finely carved wood netsuke of a long-eared rabbit (usagi) with its head lowered to the ground and licking its fore paws. The hairwork is neatly incised in the typical manner of the artist and the eyes are inlaid in red-painted mother-of-pearl. Natural himotoshi and signed within an oval reserve to the belly KOKEI.LENGTH 3.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear to surface and to the eyes.Provenance: Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art including Selections from the Collection of Ruth and Carl Barron, 16 September 2014, New York, lot 2069. A noted private collection, USA, acquired from the above.The present subject is rarely treated by Kokei and recorded examples usually depict the hare in groups of 2 or more.Auction comparison:Compare to a related ebony netsuke of two hares, by Kokei, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 6 November 2012, London, lot 151 (sold for 5,000 GBP).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer’s premium – only for buyers within the EU.