AN IVORY NETSUKE OF THE ZODIAC BY MASAMITSUIvory netsuke. Japan, Meiji periodOf compact design, depicted on a square base is the junishi, the twelve animals of the zodiac, as a bundle of animals, all in motion on top of one another. This type of carving is idiosyncratic of Masamitsu, who is known best for his ‘bundle of rats’ carvings. Signed MASA-MITSU 正 光 with kao; the kao in a red lacquer reserve. Condition: Expected wear – some of the inlaid eyes missing, small age crack through the puppies Provenance: From a French private collectionLENGTH 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