AN IVORY NETSUKE BY IKKO OF A SEATED RATIvory netsuke. Japan, 19th centuryA very good work, with masterfully crafted head and eyes and finely crafted fur. The rat, or nezumi, has placed all four of its paws on its tail, which forms a circle. The cord can be run through in between the tail and the legs. The rat is the first animal in the Japanese zodiac and symbolizes ambition and success, as it jumped over the ox to attain the first place. Signature I-KO 一 光, transcribed Ikko, on the tail. This artist from Nagoya is known for his masterful depictions of animals. MCI reads on the artist, “very cleverly made animal studies made during the last quarter of the 19th century” – there are several animal studies (particularly of rats or hares) that can be found baring the same signature with the oval, tapered reserve. This is certainly one of the finest of this group carved in the late 19th century. Condition: Age-related wear, beautiful worn patina; two age cracks through the body and one on the tail Provenance: From an English private collectionHEIGHT 2.5 CM, LENGTH 3.4 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