Four wood figure netsuke


Edo period (1615-1868), early-mid 19th centuryThe first of two small boys breaking open a large gourd on a leaf, one wielding a mallet while the other saws through the fruit, signed Karyo, 4.2cm (1 5/8in); the second of Okame seated, holding a mortar and pestle while a small boy climbs on her back, signed Shuzan, 3.8cm (1½in); the third of a chef's assistant pounding rice in a mortar, unsigned, 4.2cm (1 5/8in); the fourth of an old woman struggling to walk beneath the weight of a huge peach, unsigned, 4.2cm (1 5/8in). (4).