HOSHUNSAI MASAYUKI: A MASTERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF A STRANGE KAPPABy Hoshunsai Masayuki, signed with the artist’s kakihanJapan, Tokyo, late 19th centuryPublished: Cohen, George (1974) In Search of Netsuke & Inro, p.59, pl. XV, no. 243.Superbly carved as a very unusual long-haired, ape-like kappa crossing its arms and resting them on a cucumber which it grabs with its feet. The enigmatic eyes are inlays of highly iridescent blueish horn, which make for a haunting expression as the strange mythical creature gnashes its teeth. The carving is incredibly refined, with superb detailing to the hairwork and bony fingers, though still bearing a purposely roughened appearance to the hairwork and cucumber. Masayuki is best known for his stag antler carvings and it is evident that the present netsuke is carved to imitate stag antler. The carving is certainly a departure from his typical Tokyo school wood pieces depicting traditional daily life subjects and is much closer to his stag antler carvings, often depicting exotic and strange subjects. Natural himotoshi and signed with the artist’s kakihan underneath the cucumber.HEIGHT 4 cm, LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only very minor wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Annable, sold through Geoffrey Moss of Sydney L. Moss Ltd. Ex-collection George Cohen, acquired from the above. Sold Sotheby’s, 29 May 1980, London, lot 48. Ex-collection Joe Kurstin, acquired from the above. Dr. M. Joseph ‘Joe’ Kurstin (1931-2021) was a prominent Miami ophthalmologist who arguably built one of the greatest netsuke collections of all time. He was known by netsuke and inro lovers worldwide and made many lifelong friends in this tight-knit community. He published several books and articles on the subject and generously lent his collection for exhibitions at the Yale University Gallery, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Epcot Center at Disney World, and The Tobacco and Salt Museum, Tokyo.