A FINE WOOD OKIMONO NETSUKE OF AN EMACIATED RAT CATCHERUnsignedJapan, second half of 19th centuryVery finely carved as a disappointed rat catcher, wearing only a loincloth, kneeling and holding a box down, looking backwards as the escaped rat clambers over his back. His expression is masterfully worked, brilliantly capturing his anger and disappointment, while at the same time vilifying him. Note the extremely well-carved bony fingers and toes, as well as the muscular and emaciated body. The rat catcher’s eyes are inlaid with dark horn. Natural himotoshi. The well-toned wood finely stained and bearing a fine patina.LENGTH 5.6 cmCondition: Very good condition. A repair to the box with associated traces of adhesive.Provenance: French private collection, purchased at Christie’s, 26 November 2002, lot 22 (part lot).Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood okimono netsuke of a rat catcher from the same collection, signed Masayoshi, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 111 (sold for 4,803 EUR).