SHOKO: AN AMUSING WOOD NETSUKE OF A BLINDMAN AND PUPPYBy Shoko Sugonoya, signed Shoko 尚古Japan, Hida-Takayama, second half of 19th centuryA finely carved and humorous wood netsuke of a blindman with a large bump on his head, one eye closed and the other inlaid eye bulging, his face grimacing as a small puppy pulls on his kimono, the poor man swinging his cane backwards to fend off the mischievous animal. Natural himotoshi and signed SHOKO on the geta underneath the puppy, the other is worn by the blind man.HEIGHT 4.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Museum comparison: Compare to a related wood netsuke of a blindman, by Shoko, in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), accession number M.91.250.160.