Shigemasa (重正) Japanese Wooden Netsuke From The Edo Period In The Form Of A Snail On A Bucket

A superb wood netsuke by Shigemasa of a snail exploring over the edge of an upturned bucket or pail. Signed Shigemasa (重正) and kakihan. Japanese, Nagoya, mid-19th century, Edo period.

A work of astonishingly fine and naturalistic carving, formed from a single piece of wood, then textured with incisions and stippling, and stained in different tones. The snail’s body arches over the edge of the bucket, forming the himotoshi. The detail is finely rendered, even down to the breathing hole (pneumostome) of the snail.

Height: 4 cm (1.6in)

Condition: Excellent condition. Only very minor wear.

References: For a similar Shigemasa netsuke, see Lazarnick, George (1982) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, Vol. 2, p. 946.
For other examples sold at auction, see:
Galerie Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29th Oct, 2021, Lot 120. Sold for for €8,216 including Buyer's Premium.
Galerie Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 28th Apr, 2023, Lot 104. Sold for €5,200 including Buyer's Premium.
Christie’s, Art of Japan, 5th Dec, 2017, Lot 15. Sold for £3,500 plus Buyer’s Premium (Total approx £4,375.00).

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