† HOSHINSAI: A FINE EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF OMORI HIKOSHICHI ENCOUNTERING A DEMONBy Hoshinsai, signed Hoshinsai 法眞齋Japan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A finely carved and powerfully executed wood netsuke, displaying a superb aji (patina). The hero Omori Hikoshichi is shown drawing his sword and looking back at the Hannya-faced demon which he carries on his back, the demon pulling a grimace and holding a loose strand of hair in her hand. According to legend, he thought he was carrying a beautiful lady across a stream, but in the ripples of the moonlight reflected on the water he discovered her true demonic form. Large himotoshi to the back and signed HOSHINSAI – a rarely encountered Edo school artist working in the style of Gessho.HEIGHT 4.9 cmCondition: Very good condition with typical and attractive wear. A small repair to one foot.Provenance: A noted private collection, USA.Auction comparison:Compare to related, yet larger, Edo school wood netsuke depicting the same subject, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 151 (sold for 12,008 EUR).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer’s premium – only for buyers within the EU.