ISHIKAWA RENSAI (ATTR.): A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI Attributed to Ishikawa Rensai, unsigned Japan, Asakusa, Tokyo, second half of 19th century Finely carved as a seated Shishi with its paws placed firmly on the ground and looking upwards. The mythical animal has a grim expression with furrowed bushy eyebrows, and the pupils are ringed and minutely inlaid in dark horn. The curly mane and bushy tail are carved very well. The lightly stained ivory is smoothly polished. The slightly flattened underside with a bridge functioning as himotoshi. HEIGHT 3.3 cm Condition: Very good condition with a visible nerve channel running through the ivory. Provenance: European collection. Auction comparison: Compare to a netsuke by Rensai, sold by Zacke, Japanische Netsuke - Ausstellung 1990, Vienna, no. 50 The expression, placement of the pupils, manner of the curls and treatment of the ivory justify the attribution to the Asakusa master Ishikawa Rensai.