A RARE SENTOKU BRONZE NETSUKE OF A MINOGAMEUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Cast as a minogame with a bekko-patterned shell and seaweed tail on the exterior, the interior showing the mythical animal with elongated neck retracted into its carapace. Large himotoshi through the underside.The style, particularly of the peculiarly shaped larger himotoshi, is reminiscent of Karamono Kyubei, who is mentioned in the Soken Kisho published in 1781. Kyubei is described as making ashtrays, Chinese-style cast netsuke and kuwara (rings used for a priest's kesa). Other designs include gourds, incense burners, eggs, and clams. Many other shapes were used for his netsuke. Sophisticated designs such as rain dragons, arabesques, flowers, clouds, and spirals were skillfully combined to create an openwork finish. They are very high-quality, perfect netsuke, not too heavy, not too light, and are very comfortable to the touch.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Very good condition. Minor surface wear and few tiny dents to edges.