SHOKO SUGANOYA: A WOOD NETSUKE OF HOTEI DRINKING SAKE

SHOKO SUGANOYA: A WOOD NETSUKE OF HOTEI DRINKING SAKE
By Shoko Suganoya, signed Shoko 尚古
Japan, Takayama, Hida province, second half of 19th century
Finely carved in the typical manner of the artist and depicting the lucky god Hotei resting on top of his treasure bag (takarabukuro), laughing, and balancing a sake cup on his bloated belly, a sake bottle in his left hand. Hotei's eyes are minutely inlaid in dark horn. The well-toned wood attractively stained. Himotoshi underneath and signed in sosho (cursive script) SHOKO.
HEIGHT 4.8 cm
Condition: Very good condition, minor surface wear.
Provenance:
French private collection, purchased at Piasa Auction, 31st May 2002, Paris.
Literature comparison:
A similar wood netsuke depicting Hotei holding a fan and seated on his treasure bag is illustrated in Meinertzhagen / Lazarnick (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 747.