MASAYOSHI: A WOOD OKIMONO NETSUKE OF A FRUSTRATED RAT CATCHER
By Masayoshi, signed Masayoshi (Seikei)
Japan, Nagoya, late 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The rat catcher, equipped with a long club, is holding down a box with one hand in an effort to catch the rat, which has escaped - the usual fate of this poor character. The rat catcher has a powerful expression, his facial features are distorted as he screams in agony, almost appearing like a demon, as he turns his head to view the nimble rat, which is innocently perched atop his shoulder. All eyes are inlaid in dark horn. A detailed and bold carving - note the emaciated body, bony limbs and smooth polish of the wood. Signature MASAYOSHI 正慶 (Seikei) on the underside of the loincloth.

HEIGHT 4.4 cm

Condition: Very good condition.
Provenance: British collection.

The rat (nezumi) is a symbol of wealth and the companion of the lucky god Daikoku. That may explain why rat catchers had such a bad reputation, since he is usually depicted emaciated, ugly and demonic, as in the present carving. Masayoshi (alternatively read Seikei), was a pupil of Masakazu and Masasada, and was best known for his fine netsuke of rat catchers.

Auction comparison: For the same model in a different material see Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 27 April 2019, Vienna, lot 149.

Literature comparison: Compare to another netsuke by Seikei of a rat catcher in wood illustrated in the Baur collection, Marie-Therese Coullery and Martin S. Newstead, Geneve, 1977, page 221, C 590.