MITSUHARU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY By Mitsuharu, inscribed Masakazu Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The finely stained ivory netsuke with a rich honey patina, and depicting a seated monkey holding a fruiting peach branch, placed on his lap. The large eyes are inlaid with horn pupils and the fur is very finely incised. The monkey is impishly smiling and has its lips pressed downwards. Large asymmetrical himotoshi to the reverse. Inscribed MASAKAZU 正一 within an oval reserve. HEIGHT 3.6 cm Condition: Very good condition with expected wear and age cracks. Provenance: British collection with old collection labels.