By Masanao, signed MasanaoJapan, Ise-Yamada, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Superbly carved as a rat (nezumi) looking upwards and lifting its right hind leg to scratch itself. The fur is very finely incised, smoothed from wear, and the eyes are inlaid. Note the thick well-carved tail which curls around underneath, forming the natural himotoshi. Signed within a polished reserve MASANAO.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor associated surface wear. The inlaid eyes are replaced.Provenance: French private collection.Auction comparison:For a wood netsuke of a balled rat, executed in similar style, by Masanao, see Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 115 (sold for 8,216 EUR).