AN IVORY NETSUKE OKIMONO BY MASAMITSU OF A BALL OF RATSIvory netsuke. Japan, Meiji periodA rare netsuke okimono shaped like a ball from a well-known specialist for animal groups. In this case it is a multitude of rats or mice, roughly 100 little animals crafted three-dimensionally in miniature. They show all kinds of poses and are arranged closely together. However, this netsuke is too heavy to be practical as it is made from ivory and relatively large. Nonetheless there are himotoshi, albeit hard to find. Tiny inscribed signature MASA-MITSU 正 光 – the aforementioned specialist of number 14 – on iridescent mother-of-pearl. Condition: Expected wear and age cracks – some of the inlaid eyes missing Provenance: From an English private collectionDIAMETER 5 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