The Katchen Collection of Netsuke – Part II

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Lot 233
  • 233

MONKEY BY MASAKATSU

Estimate
3,000 - 3,500 GBP
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Description

  • MONKEY BY MASAKATSU
  • Signed in an oval reserve Masakatsu with kakihan
  • Wood, the eyes inlaid
  • 3.5cm., 1 3/8 in.
The monkey is seated, greedily biting into a biwa fruit whilst holding a branch of more fruits with its feet, one leg forming the himotoshi.

Literature

A similar example by Tomokazu is illustrated in The Catalogue of the Baur Collection, p.333, no.C1034.

Catalogue Note

According to Meinertzhagen, Masakatsu was the most distinguished among the pupils of Masanao I of Ise and the best of his Netsuke  rank just as highly as those of his Master.  However, due to his ill health, his output was comparatively small but the few pieces which are recorded are recognised as fine and wonderfully executed examples.