AN IVORY NETSUKE BY SOSAI OF A PERSIMMON AND MONKEYIvory netsuke. Japan, 19th centuryVery well-rounded, four-lobed shape, the top side of the fruit is entirely smooth and polished well. A monkey, saru, emerges from the fruit, its head and torso already outside. The monkey and kaki (persimmon) are reminiscent of the popular Japanese folktale of the Monkey-Crab Battle, or saru kani gassen. The fruit plays a prominent role in this tale, and while the monkeys initially trick the crabs, the crabs are victorious in the end. The underside of the fruit is crafted in a naturalistic manner and shows the abbreviated signature SO-SAI 宗 齋 , which could also refer to Kyosai or Keisai. Condition: Good, complete condition – beautiful warm, yellow patina Provenance: From an Austrian private collectionHEIGHT 2.4 CM, WIDTH 3.8 CMThis lot is subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora [CITES]. It may only be exported outside the European Union after an export permit in accordance with CITES has been granted by the Austrian authorities. Zacke Gallery cannot and does not guarantee that such export permit may or will be obtained, but will by order of the winning bidder, once and exclusively after the item in question has been paid in full, apply to obtain such a permit at a fixed administrative fee of €100,- per application (fee valid for 'Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono' auction only). This process usually takes 6 months, and most permits we have applied for, have been granted in the past. Our team is happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding this process