IKESHIMA YOSHINORI: A LACQUER MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING THE TONGUE CUT SPARROWBy Ikeshima Yoshinori, signed Ikeshima Yoshinori 池嶌義矩 with kakihanJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The two-part wood manju netsuke bearing an attractive grain, lacquered in gold, black, and silver takamaki-e with two fleeing sparrows, the reverse showing a pair of scissors issuing a blood droplet, and a bowl and stirring spoon. The netsuke references the tongue cut sparrow, when the old hag cuts the sparrow’s tongue with a pair of scissors after the sparrow pecked at a bowl of starch which the woman left to cool. Signed to the interior IKESHIMA YOSHINORI with kakihan. Central himotoshi through the back, the cord attachment within.DIAMETER 3.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only very minor wear.Provenance: Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam, purchased from Max Rutherston Ltd., London, in 2018.As noted by Edward Wrangham (Wrangham, (1995) The Index of Inro Artists, p. 338) the artist belongs to the Kanshosai Toyo lineage as he utilizes a similar kakihan.