SUKETADA: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A KAPPA TRAPPED BY A CLAMBy Suketada, signed Suketada 亮忠Japan, Takayama, Hida Province, early to mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A very finely carved study of a kappa with one hind foot caught in the jaws of a hamaguri clam as it climbs over it. The subject references, quite humorously, a parody of the seduction of feminine wiles, the clam representing the female here. The warty skin of the kappa is masterfully rendered, the eyes are inlaid, the shell is finely carved and the long hair surrounding the kappa’s swirling vital fluids on the head is minutely incised. Large, asymmetrical and generously excavated himotoshi through the underside, signed SUKETADA.The present netsuke is much more worn than other examples of this subject by Suketada and shows a distinctly beautiful patina. It is likely that this is one of the earliest netsuke of this type.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, the wood beautifully worn with a fine patina. Some light surface scratches.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a kappa by Suketada at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 54 (sold for 8,125 GBP). Another closely related wood netsuke of a kappa by Suketada at Bonhams, The Julius & Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part I, 8 November 2016, London, lot 188 (sold for 5,000 GBP).