NETSUKE: RAT ON A BOAR'S TUSK.
Japan. Edo period.

Boar's tusk. In the centre of the tusk in delicate relief a rat crouched flat with long undulated tail; the fur delicately engraved and darkly stained; the eyes of black horn. The dental cavity is closed with a cap made of black wood. L.9.7cm. Condition A/B. The tusk was cracked before carving; it was fixed with gold lacquer and carved afterwards.

Provenance:
-Old collection no. 676.
Art trade; Van Ham.