† A RARE AND UNUSUAL LACQUER NETSUKE WITH FLORAL DESIGNUnsignedJapan, late 19th centuryA manju-style netsuke exhibiting various different lacquer techniques in perfect harmony with each other. The front is decorated with a leafy flower issuing a bud and bloom, both inlaid in coral, the leaves executed in green takamaki-e with red hiramaki-e veins, all against a stunning green-gold nashiji ground. The sides and underside are executed in the remarkable seido-nuri (imitating black patinated bronze) technique, which was frequently used by Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891). One central himotoshi underneath and two large oval apertures through the mid-section.LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only very minor wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Shep Brozman, New York.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer’s premium – only for buyers within the EU.