TOMOCHIKA: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH PERSIMMONBy Gyokusen Tomochika, signed TomochikaJapan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a monkey sitting cross-legged with its hands behind the head attempting to reach a persimmon, the face with an amusing expression marked by a deeply carved face, wide-open mouth displaying minutely detailed teeth and deeply set eyes. The surface of the wood is detailed with fine hairwork and a silky gloss polish that accentuates the light stain. Two large, asymmetrical himotoshi to the underside and signed TOMOCHIKA within a rectangular reserve.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Good condition with associated surface wear, the signature is faded and has become illegible.Provenance: European collection.Literature comparison:Monkeys by Gyokusen Tomochika are rare. For another example, considered a highly important netsuke, see Bandini, Rosemary (2001) Expressions of Style, Netsuke as Art, Scholten Japanese Art, New York, no. 157. Notes RefButton1