Netsuke, ivory. Japan, 19th century
Meticulously carved piece. An old and barefoot man walking and leaning on a stick. Particularly the face is carved with fine detail and is exceptionally spirited. His wrinkled clothes including his hat and belt (obi) are powerfully executed as well. Smiling wisely he looks up into the sky, the tiny eyes coloured in black. Himotoshi at the back.
HEIGHT 6 CM
From a German private collection