Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Resting with its tentacles curling up around its large head, forming an appealingly compact composition, with the two front tentacles lowered so as not to obscure the face, the large, bulging eyes looking upwards. The tentacles with neatly detailed suckers and scrolling ends. Himotoshi through the underside and the back of the octopus’ head.HEIGHT 3.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn. Fine, dark patina.Provenance: European collection.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related wood figure of an octopus, also dated to the early 19th century, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 November 2015, London, lot 2 (sold for 2,125 GBP); and another at Bonhams, Netsuke from a European Private Collection, 8 May 2016, London, lot 75 (sold for 2,750 GBP).