Netsuke, ivory. Japan, Meiji, 19th century
Spiritedly crafted netsuke of a merchant sitting at the streetside, with a tub in front of him, as well as a cup in one hand, in the other on a rope a big Hyotan, a bottleneck squash, presumably containing sake. In the tub are some little goodies. Nicely worked study of everyday life, himotoshi and signature GYOKU-ZAN 玉 山 beneath.
HEIGHT 3,8 CM
From an old German collection