A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY ON BAMBOO SHOOTUnsignedJapan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The monkey (saru) climbing up a large bamboo shoot, pulling at one of the folded leaves, its fur minutely incised and the expression neatly detailed. Very large himotoshi through the bamboo shoot. The surface attractively worn with a good patina.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Very good condition with old wear and traces of use.Provenance: From the collection of Gaston Lazard (1878-1956) and his wife Jane Levy (1886-1985) and thence by descent within the same family.Literature comparison:Compare to a related wood netsuke of a monkey on bamboo shoot, signed Miwa, illustrated in Sagemonoya (2004) Sleeping Beauties, no. 54.