GYOKUZAN: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH BIWA (LOQUATS) By Gyokuzan, signed Gyokuzan 玉山
Japan, Gifu, mid-19^th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Of compact form, the monkey seated and holding a leafy branch of loquats (biwa), its mouth wide open as it prepares to feast on the delectable fruit. The eyes are double inlaid in pale and dark horn. Natural himotoshi between the monkey’s legs and loquat leaves. Signed to the underside of one leg GYOKUZAN within a rectangular reserve.

HEIGHT 2.9 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.
Provenance: European collection.

Gyokuzan was a pupil of Kano Tomokazu of the Gifu school.

Literature comparison:
A closely related netsuke by Gyokuzan, described as a monkey eating persimmons, is illustrated in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. 1, p. 433.