MASATOSHI: A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A COWERING ONI DURING SETSUBUNBy Masatoshi, signed Masatoshi 正利Japan, Nagoya, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The muscular oni cowered into a ball, forming a compact composition, trying to avoid the beans being thrown at him during the oni-yarai ceremony on Setsubun day. The three beans on his back are inlaid in light-stained wood. The underside shows the finely carved face with a grim expression and the two superbly carved feet forming the cord attachment. Signed within a rectangular reserve on the loincloth MASATOSHI.LENGTH 3.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear. Fine patina.Provenance: Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam, purchased at Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke II, 6 December 2014, Cologne, lot 773.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke by Masakazu at Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke IV, 5 December 2015, Cologne, lot 709 (sold for 2,480 EUR).