AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT AND CANDLEIvory netsuke. Japan, 18th or early 19th centuryThe rat, or nezumi, is eating a candle – an unusual meal even for a rat. The candle is used, as suggested by the wax drops and black inlaid wood wick. The rat has densely carved, lightly blackened fur, and large, dark inset eyes. The motif of the rat and candle comes up in the works of various masters, we have offered it ourselves from Chikusai, Masaka, Okatomo, Tomokazu and others. Large himotoshi through the candle. Condition: Age cracks through the rat and candle, complete condition Provenance: From an American private collectionLENGTH 4.8 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