A WOOD NETSUKE BY HIDEHARU OF A SPARROW DANCERWood netsuke. Japan, 19th centuryA sparrow dancer seated with flatly spread out legs. The arms are spread out as well, his hands are touching his toes. His facial expression suggests this to be a strenuous position for him. His eyes are lacquered black and he is wearing a round straw hat on his head. The signature HIDE-HARU 秀 晴 is found on the underside of one of his thighs. Himotoshi on the figure’s bottom. Condition: Excellent condition - with a fine patina Provenance: From an English private collection A very similar piece, with the same pained expression, by Motokiyo is illustrated in Masterpieces of Netsuke art by Bernard Hurtig, No. 956.HEIGHT 3.7 CM, WIDTH 6 CM