A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ACTOR Unsigned Japan, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The actor, wearing a grinning demonic mask, stands on one foot in a dancing posture with his arms spread out. His robe shows decorations of phoenixes and dragons amongst clouds, executed in extremely fine incision work on a small space. The actor’s finely incised long hair flows all the way down his back, the himotoshi ‘hidden’ between one of the strands. HEIGHT 4 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: European collection.