MASAJO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLUMBERING SHOJO By Masajo, signed Masajo 正女 Japan, Nagoya, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved as a seated shojo in a deep slumber induced by a hefty amount of sake. One hand is placed in her lap and the other pressed against her cheek, supporting her face, as she gently smiles, perhaps even dreaming of drinking more sake. Her finely incised long hair neatly falls down her back and her robe is adorned with elaborately carved patterns. The wood of a good color with an attractive patina. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the back and underside and signed within a raised rectangular reserve MASAJO. HEIGHT 3.4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: French private collection. Literature comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke by Masajo in Bandini, Rosemary (2014) Japanese Netsuke from the Collection of Teddy Hahn, no. 2. Auction comparison: A similar netsuke by Masajo was sold by Lempertz, Netsuke und Sagemono, 9 June 2017, Cologne, lot 566 (sold for 2,728 EUR).