TEIJI (ATTR.): A RARE CERAMIC NETSUKE OF TAKOTSUBO Attributed to Teiji, unsigned Japan, Nagoya, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A fine and rare ceramic netsuke, coated in a layer of thin red lacquer, and depicting an octopus trapped inside a pot, also known as takotsubo. The inlaid grimacing octopus has emerged from the trap, bursting through the pot, two tentacles pressed against the side of the pot, in an effort to escape. The ceramic inlay is a creamy white with fine craquelure. Another inlaid tentacle is shown emerging from the mouth of the pot, and fine barnacles are inlaid on the sides of the tsubo. A section of the red lacquer has been purposely removed and glazed green, showing fine craquelure, to imitate the oxidation of the metal tsubo. One central himotoshi and the other ‘natural’ through the opening of the pot. HEIGHT 3.6 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear to lacquer coating. Provenance: French private collection. The takotsubo is an old Japanese design used to catch octopi. Teiji, pupil of Seiji, was originally a potter and made unique netsuke with ceramic inlays. It is evident from the quality of the ceramic inlay in this netsuke that only a highly trained ceramicist could achieve this, and Teiji was known to execute this design.