MIWA: A CHARMING WOOD NETSUKE OF HOTEI YAWNINGBy Miwa, signed Miwa 三輪 with kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The pot-bellied lucky god wearing a loosely fitted robe and holding both hands to the side of his face as he lets out a cavernous yawn. The well-toned wood bearing a good patina. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath, the smaller hole ringed in stained bone, and signed MIWA with a typical square seal-shaped kakihan.HEIGHT 3.1 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Provenance: From the collection of Gaston Lazard (1878-1956) and his wife Jane Levy (1886-1985) and thence by descent within the same family.